‘He’s a small boy’: Primate Ayodele slams Adelabu over N150m extortion allegation

The Founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has again dismissed allegations of extortion levelled against him by the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, describing the minister as a “small boy” who does not understand what he is saying.

Speaking during a church service at Oke Afa in Lagos State on Sunday, Ayodele said the N150 million allegedly demanded from Adelabu could not even afford his shoes, insisting he did not solicit money or favours from the minister.

The cleric was reacting to a petition by Adelabu to the Department of State Services (DSS), in which the minister accused Ayodele of blackmail and attempting to extort N150 million for spiritual intercession to enable him emerge as governor of Oyo State.

Adelabu, who has contested the Oyo governorship twice and has indicated interest in the 2027 race, also alleged that Ayodele demanded 1,000 pieces of saxophones or trumpets, valued between N50 million and N130 million, depending on the grade.

Primate Ayodele denies alleged extortion, says Adelabu sought my help

According to the minister, his refusal to meet the demands led Ayodele to issue false prophecies aimed at damaging his reputation and political ambition.

However, Ayodele denied the claims, saying Adelabu approached him in desperation and offered to do anything to become governor.

The cleric maintained that he neither invited the minister nor collected money from him.

Speaking on Sunday, the cleric insisted he does not give prophecies to impress or entice people, adding that Adelabu’s actions were driven by frustration over his political prospects.

Ayodele said: “He (Adelabu) is a small boy. He knows he has lost, that is why he is pained.

“If I collected money, I would openly say I collected money. But I did not collect money, and I did not invite him..

“He doesn’t understand. Don’t give power to those who have mouth diarrhoea. Can N150 million buy my car? The shoe I wear, can N150 million buy it? Leave that person alone.”

The Star