The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to retrace his steps amid looming threats to his position ahead of the 2026 elections.

 

This warning follows ongoing speculation about a reported rift between Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has been making headlines in recent weeks.

 

In a statement released by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele recalled that he had earlier prophesied a fallout between the president and the governor at the start of Sanwo-Olu’s second term—an insight that was initially disregarded.

 

The cleric advised Sanwo-Olu to take urgent steps to mend fences and resolve any underlying issues, warning that failure to do so could lead to a humiliating political downfall. He also appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and prevent any move to oust the governor.

 

“I predicted that Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu would clash. What you’re seeing now is just the beginning—if Sanwo-Olu is not cautious, he will be removed. I plead with Tinubu not to allow such a removal to happen,” he said.

 

Primate Ayodele further lamented the absence of elder statesmen in the political landscape, accusing politicians of being driven by selfish interests rather than unity and progress.

 

“There are no true elders in politics anymore—everyone is just after their personal gain. Without money, nothing moves,” he added.

 

He advised Sanwo-Olu to remain calm and avoid taking counsel from individuals urging him to adopt a defiant stance in the ongoing crisis.

 

“Governor Sanwo-Olu needs to calm down and seek reconciliation with his political mentor. Things are not as they seem—once you’re out of office, you’ll see that people’s loyalty was only tied to your position.”

 

“I also urge you to disregard any advice encouraging you to be hard-hearted. If you don’t retrace your steps now, you may be removed in 2026—and no amount of prayer will save you then,” the statement concluded.