Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has issued a fresh warning concerning President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the Nigerian leader's eyes have been spiritually covered through the instrumentality of juju. The prophecy, delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in a video posted online and titled Prophecy Alert, claims that Tinubu has come under a spell that makes him shun honest counsel and embrace sycophants.
According to Ayodele, those closest to Tinubu are not acting in his best interest, and the president's refusal to heed good advice will ultimately cost him dearly. The cleric, who is based in Oke Afa, Lagos state, specifically warned that "bad people" are pushing away "all the good advisers" from the president.
In his exact words: "Tinubu, if you like, they advise you to do the right thing, don't do it. Those advising you, when you lose, your eyes will be opened." He continued: "I said your eyes has been covered, with juju. They have cast spell on Tinubu's eyes. So, when you tell him, 'oga, this is not the right thing', he will hate you. Bad people will send all the good advisers away."
Juju is a traditional West African spiritual belief system that often involves physical charms or amulets. It is not uncommon for such references to feature in Nigerian political discourse, particularly during election cycles.
Ayodele Warns President's Inner Circle
Although Ayodele did not specify the exact policy issues or decisions he believed Tinubu was getting wrong, his tone indicated a broader discomfort with the composition of the president's inner circle. He framed the situation as one where the president actively alienates anyone who offers sincere advice, thereby creating room for self-serving aides to consolidate their influence.
The spiritual leader further cautioned that Tinubu would not realise how badly he has been misled until it is too late, implying that the consequences of poor counsel would fall squarely on the president. Ayodele added that losing would finally open Tinubu's eyes to the truth about those around him.
Ayodele Backs Cardinal Onaiyekan Amid Presidency Backlash
The warning coincides with Ayodele's public support for Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja, whose recent interview has drawn the ire of the Nigerian presidency. Ayodele asserted that the cardinal's comments align with the frustrations of many ordinary Nigerians, describing Onaiyekan as a voice for the "dozens of households" suffering from the prevailing "anger and hunger in the land".
In a direct address to Tinubu, Ayodele added: "By the election (2027 polls), you will see people how they will show their grievances. Rice and money will not stop it. We are telling you to do the right thing. All these your surrogate aides will push you to fire. When fire burns you, you will be the only one to cry."
Atiku Abubakar Condemns Presidency's Attack
Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the presidency's criticism of Cardinal Onaiyekan, describing it as an attack on one of Nigeria's most respected moral institutions and a sign of the Tinubu administration's growing intolerance of dissent. In a statement, Atiku demanded an immediate and unreserved apology to Onaiyekan and the Catholic faithful, insisting that the presidency's response was "arrogant, disrespectful and unbecoming of a democratic government".
The presidency's reaction to Onaiyekan's interview has drawn criticism from various quarters, with Atiku adding his voice to the chorus. The former vice president's statement reflects the growing unease among opposition figures and religious leaders over the current administration's stance on dissent.
Ayodele's Prophecies and 2027 Elections
Primate Ayodele has a track record of issuing public prophecies about Nigerian political leaders, especially in the run-up to major elections. His latest comments come as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections, and they highlight the deep-seated anxieties about governance, economic hardship, and political survival.
While Ayodele's prophecies are spiritual claims rather than empirical forecasts, they often resonate with segments of the public who feel disenfranchised. As the political landscape evolves, his words are likely to add to the ongoing debate about the leadership of Nigeria under President Tinubu.
As with all prophetic declarations, the validity of these claims rests on belief. This report documents Ayodele's statements for informational and commentary purposes, and readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions.
