Primate Elijah Ayodele, the spiritual leader and founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has once again stirred nationwide debate after releasing a prophetic warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concerning his administration’s proposed taxation policies.
Speaking during a church service, Ayodele cautioned that the federal government’s consideration of a 5% tax on fuel could be the final straw that would collapse Tinubu’s government. He stressed that Nigerians were already battling severe economic hardship and any additional burden such as this proposed levy would not only be rejected by the masses but also mismanaged by those entrusted with it.
The cleric did not mince words, saying that President Tinubu’s closest taxation advisers were “digging his grave” by pushing him toward policies that would turn the people against him. According to Ayodele, if Tinubu insists on going ahead with such measures, his administration will face turbulence that could lead to its downfall sooner than expected.
“The proposed fuel tax is a dangerous path. Nigerians cannot endure this anymore. If the president enforces it, his administration will be short-lived. These policies will bring calamity upon the nation if not stopped,” Ayodele warned.
He went further to advise President Tinubu to listen carefully to his Minister of Finance and economic experts who are more in tune with the realities of Nigerians rather than foreign-influenced advisers who, according to him, are disconnected from the suffering of the common man. He insisted that abandoning the 5% fuel tax is the only way to avoid political disaster and widespread revolt.
Public Reactions
The prophecy has ignited mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing both support and criticism.
Atobajaye wrote: “Like I said, this man should just join a political party instead of using trending social media topics as so-called prophecies just to stay relevant.”
MagDon argued: “This is supposed to be a service right? Why not hold a podcast and predict or analyse the government activities. Allowing members to stand while he do this is insane. Church is a place of worship and not for political analysis.”
ANMUT mocked: “So na him God sit down talk this one ba … as God vex say Tinubu wan tax am HIM come say he no go win 2nd term … just dragging Christianity into wetin no concern am.”
Ilesanmi Awolusi countered: “The primate is afraid of PBAT tax starting from January 2025. Top 10 richest churches in the world, Nigeria no dey but Top 10 richest pastor we have 6 Nigeria pastors. Unah go pay tax tired from January 2025. Either you like it or not, PBAT remains our president until 2031.”
PAPEE wrote: “Che you didn’t hear when he said he will widen the tax burden, reduce purchasing power and slow down the economy? You are only interested in seeing your kinsman rule for 8 years. His advisers are not in Nigeria but France.”
The cleric’s message has added to ongoing debates about the future of Nigeria’s economy, the rising cost of living, and whether the president’s economic team is truly in touch with the realities on ground.
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'Tinubu will not win second term' – Primate Elijah Ayodele pic.twitter.com/xatgLtG7HW
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) September 20, 2025