*by Folorunsho Hamsat
“If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” This line of thinking is the guiding light for Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele as the founder and leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Nigeria. Ayodele has been actively involved in philanthropy for more than thirty years, even though he is recognized more for delivering prophecies.
This writer would not dwell on Ayodele’s prophecies for which he is respected as most precise, but his passion for giving through which he has gained a reputation for empowering the underprivileged and providing support to those in need. For the record, Ayodele has shown through evangelism and passionate preaching, his unwavering dedication to serving humanity, and his commitment to making a positive difference in Christendom. His divine works continue to inspire and uplift those who have been touched by his ministry, and he remains a significant figure in the religious landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
Since the early 1990s, well before he became known for giving prophecies, Ayodele had been empowering people within limited resources. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of prophecy; in the above order, Ayodele began his apostolic mission. He started by upholding Abraham’s Hospitality; giving to charity as the ultimate perfection of the human spirit because it both glorifies and reflects the nature of God. Simply put, Ayodele pursued love first, and then earned the spiritual gift of prophecy.
It would be repeating the fact that Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele has leveraged his clerical platform to address various social issues, including poverty, education, healthcare, and community development. His efforts thus far have brought hope and tangible relief to countless individuals and communities within Lagos, his abode, and even beyond. If for nothing else, Ayodele is adored for his philanthropy, which exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals of different categories. His unwavering dedication to uplifting the less privileged and making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others has earned him widespread admiration.
Charity comes from the heart. Outstandingly, Ayodele does not discriminate in giving love, irrespective of sins and faults of whoever he feels deserves his compassion. Ask old friends of his; the returnees who once turned their backs. A prophet’s highest calling his responsibility before God for the spiritual health and growth of his people. His number one duty as leader is to establish his followers not only spiritually but physically and emotionally. This standard Primate Ayodele holds and demonstrates beyond borders.
Since the start of his ministry, Ayodele has spearheaded various initiatives, including the construction of schools, upgrading hospitals, and initiating housing projects in different areas, as well as providing scholarships to thousands of indigent students, offering them access to quality education and vocational training, and empowering the aged and widows.
As he turns 64 years of age on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Primate Ayodele promises to continue in his tradition of sharing and caring because he believes that extending generosity not only helps people to develop spiritually, but it also helps to create an environment of trust and acceptance among the populace.
-Folorunsho Hamsat is a Lagos based journalist