The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele,has said he previously issued warnings concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging heightened vigilance around the president to prevent what he described as a significant negative signal.
Ayodele made the remarks during a prophetic session broadcast on the official INRI Facebook page on Friday, January 30, 2026. Speaking to his congregation, the cleric said he had earlier made pronouncements regarding the president and was reiterating his concerns publicly.
Let me use this medium. You know, here in this church, I told you I said Tinubu will miscalculate his leg and fall,” Ayodele said. He stressed the seriousness he attached to the issue, referencing repeated occurrences. “Now, third time, if Tinubu falls third time, third time if he falls, I am begging all his security agencies, his bodyguards, family, friends,” he stated.
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Ayodele appealed for increased protective measures around the president. “Maybe they should look for people that will surround him. So that he will not fall. If he falls third time, the signal will be bad,” he said. He explained that, in his view, the implications would extend beyond a personal incident. “It goes a long way. He can hide his government. I don’t hate Tinubu,” Ayodele said.
The cleric rejected suggestions of personal hostility toward the president. “But when you say the truth or you say the way I say, you say, I don’t know him,” he said. Ayodele added that speaking privately could be misinterpreted. “If I know him, I don’t need to say it openly. But at the same time, if you even write them, they will believe that you are looking for his favor,” he stated.
Ayodele again emphasized his appeal. “Don’t allow Tinubu to fall for the third time,” he said. He warned of broader consequences. “He’s falling for the third time, he’s going to cause chaos. I’m begging the family,” Ayodele stated. He specifically mentioned security institutions. “Begging the security agencies, the DSS. This one is more than DSS matter,” he said.
Credible News reports that on June 12, 2024, President Tinubu fell while trying to board a motorcade at Eagle Square in Abuja during Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations. He missed his step and crashed into the stationary open-air vehicle while attempting to inspect the Guard of Honour. He was quickly supported by his military aides and continued with the event.
Later that evening, Tinubu joked about the fall during a banquet dinner, saying: “Early this morning, I had a swagger, and it’s on the social media… I’m a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale”.
On January 27, 2026, President Tinubu stumbled and fell during a ceremonial parade in Ankara, Turkey. The incident happened as he was walking alongside Turkish President Recep Erdogan during an official reception. The 73-year-old president was inspecting a guard of honour when he missed his step.
The Turkey incident sparked widespread reactions on social media, with the video going viral. The Presidency has reportedly allayed fears about the President’s health, attributing the mishap to a misstep.
Both incidents have generated significant public discussion about the President’s health and fitness for office, though supporters have noted that stumbling is a common human experience that can happen to anyone.
