Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Mission, had his yearly birthday anniversary on Thursday, February 14th, 2019. The inside of the church’s large auditorium was overflowing with guests. People came from far and near to felicitate with the popular man of God who is also known for his philanthropic activities. Traditionally on his anniversaries, he blesses a carefully selected group of people from within and outside the church and this year’s edition was no exception. Veteran actor, Ojoge and veteran musician, Sandoka, were among those that were given awards and cash gifts by the Primate. City People’s Senior Editor, Wale Lawal, had a brief chat with the man of God. Here are excerpts.
Congratulations on your anniversary, sir. As is traditional with you, you have used the occasion to bless people, rather than expect people to bring you gifts. How does it make you feel seeing the sort of love people have shown you today?
I am happy. Seeing people happy brings me joy. Watching their excitement as they home in happiness is what gives me a sense of fulfillment. I thank God for using me as a life changer in so many people’s lives.
Away from your anniversary, sir, are you happy with the situation of things in the country? You have warned Nigerians about God’s plan for this country and how you we have deviated from it. Now, we’re just a few hours to the general elections and with the crises and fear of a possible bloodshed looming everywhere, what should people expect?
Of course, I am not happy. I have said this since last year, APC should be prepared to show sincerity and take the outcome however it happens. I have said that if the election is free and fair, then PDP will win. But if APC decides that they will manipulate things, mark my words, it will boomerang. APC can only win on the basis of technicalities. But the truth of the matter is that the people no longer want APC, but if Buhari forces himself on Nigerians for a second term, he will not finish it. His health will not be able to carry it. What this means is that serious danger still lies ahead if APC still wants to rule this country. I’m not asking them to be my friend o. In fact, I prefer Buhari, but God prefers Atiku.
You mean you actually prefer Buhari?
Yes, that is what I said. I prefer Buhari. But Atiku will win and APC should accept the results in good faith.
What do you think about the fear of bloodshed?
Sure, there will be a bit of it but it will be sorted out.
Do you still see Saraki playing any major role?
If they swear in Atiku, Saraki will be in charge of that government. They will make things a lot better in the country because they also desire to make a change in the country and that is exactly what people have been clamouring for.
When the Ogun APC crisis that happened just a few days ago took place, I remembered one of your prophecies regarding the national leader of the APC, warning him to be careful otherwise he may lose his influence and power within the party?
These are part of the things I said last year. In addition to what you said, if you remember, I also said that some presidential envoys will be stoned. Your publication and so many others published it at the time. If Buhari insists he will continue in office, the government will not succeed. The government will crash. Honestly, Buhari‘s government needs prayers. If the government continues, people will cry o, it is that serious. It could portend the very end for us and Nigerians should be ready for another referendum.
A lot of people see the vice president, Yomi Osinbajo as a very good man…
If they win and get a second term, they will dispose of Osinbajo. They are just using him. The Northern agenda is still very much in motion and it will work against Osinbajo and at a point, the vice president will no longer be able to hold it.
Sir, now that we’re just hours away from the elections, as a man of God, what advice would you give, not just the politicians, but Nigerians as a whole?
Nigerians should be vigilant because some people are ready to destabilize this country. They are ready to fight just to see actualize their own selfish gains. They want to rip the country apart, but they will not succeed. APC must know this, if they win the elections through rigging, they will not make any serious impact, they will be a total failure. If there is, by any chance, a continuation of APC in this country, then Nigeria is in trouble.
In fact, if you ask me, I will say they just want to kill Buhari. I’m not saying the governorment should like me or become my friend, but that is the truth.
So, there is certainly going to be problems?
Yes, there will be trouble. Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, but God will intervene and help us out. But the truth is that there will be trouble.
What about the cabals in Buhari’s government that you have always talked and warned Nigerians about?
They are still there and they are as usual making things difficult.
Do you still see them having their way and disorganising things?
They will not succeed. But we need prayers to avert the situation. God has to come in because there is tension in the land. There is poverty in the land. We really need prayers. There is hunger in the land.
So, from what you’re saying, sir, you believe that if Atiku wins things will be better?
At least, the economy will improve. Not that there will be a great improvement, but it will certainly be better than Buhari‘s government.
That means the Messiah we seek has not yet arrived?
No, no. There’s no Messiah in Atiku or Buhari. But still, I maintain that Atiku will be better than Buhari. That is the truth. God will use Atiku better than Buhari.
