Bayo Adelabu Accuses Cleric of Extortion Amid 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid

Bayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power and former candidate for Oyo Governor, has lodged a complaint with the Department of State Services (DSS) against Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos. Adelabu accuses Ayodele of attempting to extort N150 million from him in exchange for “spiritual intercession” aimed at bolstering his chances in the upcoming 2027 Oyo governorship election.

In a petition dated October 13, 2025, and signed by his aide Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu alleged that after refusing Ayodele’s demands which included a substantial financial payment and expensive spiritual items the cleric resorted to making false prophecies to damage his reputation.

Correspondence reviewed by TheCable reveals that Ayodele requested Adelabu to supply 24 APC flags and 1,000 saxophones/trumpets, with costs estimated at N50 million for the cheapest Nigerian versions and up to N130 million for higher-end imported models. Initially due by April 1, the deadline was extended to April 4. The cleric claimed these demands were “instructions from God” and urged Adelabu to undertake various rituals, such as reciting prayers and participating in vigils, assuring him that divine intervention would guarantee electoral victory.

Adelabu reportedly declined the high-cost requests, prompting Ayodele to publicly declare in his church that Adelabu would not succeed in his governor ambitions, framing his warnings as divine messages and challenging the minister to pursue legal action.

This petition underscores serious allegations of spiritual coercion and attempts to influence political outcomes through financial and ritualistic requirements.