Founder and leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations that he attempted to extort ₦150 million from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, insisting that the amount “cannot even buy his shoe.”

Speaking during a church service at Oke Afa, Lagos, on Sunday, the cleric dismissed the allegation as unfounded and described the sum mentioned as insignificant compared to his status.

Ayodele suggested that the accusation was politically motivated, claiming that Adelabu was acting out of frustration over his political ambitions in Oyo State, particularly his repeated attempts to become governor.

His reaction followed a report by TheCable that Adelabu had petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing the cleric of blackmail and of attempting to extort ₦150 million from him under the guise of providing “spiritual intercession” to support his governorship bid.

The cleric denied requesting money from the minister, maintaining that he had no involvement in any form of extortion. The petition is said to be under review by the DSS as the dispute continues to draw public attention.