Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies: Why journalists must uphold professional ethics

By Benjamin Otika

For those who may ask, “Who is this man?” I want to begin by stating clearly that I am one of Primate Ayodele’s admirers, and I make no apologies for that.

I have followed this rare gem for over 30 years, and he has never given me reason to doubt him. Primate Ayodele has done what no other prophet has done, not only in the area of prophecies but also in philanthropy.

However, my attention was recently drawn to a report published by Sunday Leadership, where Primate Ayodele’s prophecy was regrettably, unwittingly, and wrongly mentioned, linked, and misinterpreted.

The publication was connected to comments allegedly credited to a former Police spokesperson, DC Adejobi, on prophecies. It is important to note that Adejobi neither made such statements nor mentioned Primate Ayodele’s name. Rather, it was the journalist who misquoted and misrepresented him.

The facts are clear: Primate Ayodele did not say that the Super Eagles would not shine at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He did not speak negatively about the Super Eagles at all. As a matter of fact, Primate Ayodele is known for going straight to the point in his prophecies.

For the avoidance of doubt, Primate Ayodele is a prominent figure with keen interest in the Super Eagles, and his prophecies concerning the team have often aligned with events as they unfolded.

Let us address this cheap attempt at blackmail regarding his AFCON prophecy. What Primate Ayodele actually said was that Nigeria would survive the elimination stage. That was all. He also spoke about a few players, and everything he said has come to pass.

In the case involving Muyiwa Adejobi, Primate Ayodele never prophesied against the Super Eagles. On the contrary, he was supportive of the team and even stated that the Super Eagles could reach the final of the tournament.

It is therefore baffling that a credible platform like Leadership Newspaper would quote the former Force PRO out of context.

Journalists must be extremely careful when publishing information that is inaccurate or misleading. When a source did not make a statement, inserting personal interpretations only exposes mischief and unprofessional conduct.

This practice must stop.
Clearly, the man of God has no time to respond to blackmail, misinterpretations, or misconceptions. However, his humility should not be taken for granted.

Those who believe they can write based on imagined interpretations without seeking clarity or verification—at the very least, by making a phone call—should know that a day of reckoning awaits them.

Finally, it is worth noting that Primate Ayodele is one individual whose phone lines are open 24/7. He is always willing to take calls or respond to messages.

A sincere journalist, one not driven by mischief, would naturally take advantage of this accessibility to seek clarification rather than make himself an object of ridicule.