By Mahdi Shehu
A storm of controversy is raging following a statement credited to Primate Elijah Ayodele, who reportedly warned that “some powerful Nigerians are plotting to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through a coup between November 2025 and January 2026.”
The prophecy, reported by Tribune Online, has stirred heated reactions across political and security circles, with many Nigerians describing it as reckless, suspicious, and potentially dangerous.
A Treasonable Claim?
In a normal democratic society governed by law and reason, such a statement would not go unchallenged.
Primate Ayodele’s utterance, by its nature, could make him an accessory to a treasonable act, as it suggests insider knowledge of a plot against the Nigerian state.
If he truly knows of any plan to overthrow the government, he should be compelled to name those involved and provide verifiable evidence, rather than instilling fear through vague “spiritual alerts.”
Nigeria’s double standards are again on display.
If a Muslim cleric — a Sheikh, Imam or Ustaz — had made a similar claim, the reaction from security agencies and sections of the media would have been immediate and fierce.
We would have seen screaming headlines, alleged discoveries of arms in mosques, and loud calls for arrest and prosecution.
But when a Christian cleric raises such an alarming claim, society suddenly grows silent — another reminder of the hypocrisy and selective morality that plague Nigeria’s public space.
False Prophets and the Bible’s Warning
The Holy Bible cautions believers against false prophets and misleading spirits:
📖 Jeremiah 14:14 — “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name… false visions and the delusions of their own minds.”
📖 1 John 4:1 — “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
📖 Proverbs 18:13 — “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
📖 Matthew 6:1 — “Beware of practicing your righteousness before others to be seen by them.”
These warnings speak directly to today’s climate, where so-called prophets trade in fear, attention-seeking, and false revelation for fame and financial gain.
Nigeria’s democracy, though imperfect, must never be undermined by false alarms and speculative prophecies.
Even in hardship, a coup is not an option, and such reckless statements must be treated as security threats, not spiritual insight.
Until the authorities act, Nigerians must remain calm, discerning, and guided by reason — not religious sensationalism.
In the end, Primate Ayodele’s “coup prophecy” raises one haunting question:
Is he a messenger of divine revelation, or simply another voice exploiting national anxiety for relevance?
Either way, Nigerians must not be fooled — this country has endured enough false alarms and hypocrisy.
PIONEER NEWS 