CAN Members Are Greedy, Self-centred

Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele (JP) is the founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos, which he founded in 1994 at Ilasamanja in a small place with about 25 worshippers. He moved to Oke Afa where the church presently has its headquarters, in 1999. In this interview with OLUWOLE ADEBOYE, he speaks on why he has refused to be a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the significance of his predictions and other sundry issues.

Your church has been in existence for sometime now, why have you refused to be a CAN member?

I have not seen anything special or fantastic about Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN. They have no leaders that are pro-active. Some of its members are greedy and self-centred. They have not played the roles that Jesus Christ laid down and for me to be a member is just a waste of time. They are not godly. Can’t you see how they quarel with one another and take members to court instead of having a peaceful dialogue? They are not organised, they do not create employment for youths and empowerment for widows. Can’t you see what NASFAT is doing?

In 2004, you started your widows programme, what informed the idea?

Yes, we started it then and also accommodated both Christians and Muslims and since then God Almighty has never relented in taking care of the widows, paying school fees of the indigent children, clotthing them and giving them food.

Where does the money come from?

Inri Widows Foundation is not a profit making organisation. God is helping us. These widows need to be taught the ways of God and be cared for so that they won’t feel lonely and rejected.

When did you start the idea of sending people to Jerusalem and Mecca?

We started two years ago and the second Muslim woman has just travelled while the third person would be going to Jerusalem.

People would want to know the meaning of “Bless my car” programme in your church

Fifteen years ago when I used to see people riding SUVs and other exotic cars I always believed that those people were extra ordinary and special. Then I told God that if he blessed me with good things of life I will make people happy. We started ‘Bless my car’ programme in 2007. I would buy fairly used cars for N300,000 and give them on loan to members of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church for N7,000 and within a period of 12 months they would pay back into the church account. The total members that have benefited are 25.

Tell us the significance of your predictions?

Predictions are from God and not my own making . These are revealed to us to forestal the dangers ahead and with fervent prayers the good side will happen while the bad won’t occur. It is only when the person refuses to listen to the voice of God that the negative things happen. You can cross check the collection of Divine Signal 2011/2012 edition of Warning to the Nations and the previous editions. My predictions have come to pass.

How many awards have you received so far for your philanthropic activities?

Over 7,000 from churches, mosques, international community, students, hairdressers, barbers, banks, media and also from government.