Ademola Lookman, Davido, Yemi Alade, others: A review of Primate Ayodele’s failed prophecies

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, is a Nigerian cleric widely known for issuing annual declarations tagged “Warnings to the Nations.”

Over the years, he has claimed several fulfilled predictions; however, he has also attracted sustained criticism over numerous prophecies that failed to materialise—particularly in politics, sports, entertainment, and global affairs.

Critics have increasingly likened Ayodele’s prophetic style to gambling.

Social analyst Oluwatobi Atemenu once described his prophecies as comparable to betting odds, stating that the cleric often attempts to cover multiple outcomes—goal-goal, over 2.5, or either way—yet still ends up wrong.

Further research has also shown instances where Ayodele presents predictable or naturally occurring events as prophecy. One such example appeared in his 2025 prophecy, where he stated:

“I foresee that some human rights activists will protest against some laws that are in operation in Nigeria.”

This prediction immediately raised questions, as protesting laws is a fundamental role of human rights activists. Observers asked: what exactly is prophetic about such an outcome?

Another prophecy followed a similar pattern:

“The Spirit of God says there will be problems between the ruling party and the opposition parties. I foresee opposition groups will be making attempts to unseat the ruling party.”

Again, critics questioned the substance of the prophecy, noting that opposing the ruling party is the primary responsibility of any opposition group. Such statements, many argue, lack prophetic depth and instead state the obvious.

Over time, Primate Ayodele’s record has become marked by recurring contradictions and failed predictions. Below are some notable examples drawn from verifiable outcomes.

1. Eric Chelle, Ademola Lookman, and AFCON 2025

In his prophecy ahead of AFCON 2025, Primate Ayodele issued bleak warnings concerning Nigeria’s Super Eagles, head coach Eric Chelle, and star forward Ademola Lookman.

According to him, Chelle lacked “luck,” which would negatively affect Nigeria’s chances.

He also claimed Lookman would not be useful to the team and advised that the Super Eagles should seek an alternative to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

He stated: “Osimhen should not play 90 minutes; Lookman is not meant to play, as he won’t help them.”

Outcome:

Contrary to the prophecy, Eric Chelle led Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025. Ademola Lookman emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers:

He finished as Nigeria’s top goal contributor, recording three goals and four assists in just three matches.

Lookman became the first player since 2010 to register multiple assists in more than one AFCON match.

He was named in the AFCON 2025 Best XI, alongside Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey.

He won Man of the Match in Nigeria’s 4–0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique.

He scored and assisted in key wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Mozambique.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whom Ayodele suggested replacing, proved pivotal:

He was named Man of the Match in Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout win over Egypt, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Nwabali kept clean sheets in all four knockout matches, going 458 minutes without conceding a goal.

His performances earned him recognition as one of AFCON 2025’s breakout stars.

The outcome directly contradicted Ayodele’s prediction.

2. Davido and the Grammy Awards

Davido received a 2026 Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his collaboration with Omah Lay on “With You.”

Primate Ayodele in his 2026 prophesy book said: “I foresee he will get a big award.”

However, Davido lost the award to South African artiste Tyla.

Observers noted that had Davido won, supporters of the cleric would likely have publicised the prophecy extensively. Following the loss, there was silence from Ayodele’s camp.

3. Bitcoin Price Prediction

In his 2026 prophecy, Ayodele predicted a specific price movement for Bitcoin—an early rise, a drop between April and June, and another increase in July.

At the time of the prophecy, Bitcoin traded around $87,508.83, with an opening price of $90,389.11.

Contrary to the forecast, Bitcoin declined sharply.

As of February 3, the price stood at $78,213.24, representing a significant loss for anyone who invested based on the prophecy.

4. Joachim Löw

In his 2026 prophesy, Primate Ayodele also claimed that God revealed that Joachim Löw’s club required prayers to avoid disappointment at a major competition.

However, Joachim Löw has not coached any club since 2004 and stepped down as Germany’s national team coach in 2021.

At the time of the prophecy, he was not managing any team.

5. Yemi Alade

Regarding Nigerian music star Yemi Alade, Ayodele stated:

“I foresee he will have multiple troubles that will take money from him.”

Beyond the prophecy not materialising, critics pointed out the fundamental error of referring to Yemi Alade who is female as “he.”

Critics say did God not show the cleric that Yemi Alade is a woman and not a man.

6. Raphinha

In his 2025 prophecy, Ayodele predicted struggles for Brazilian footballer Raphinha, claiming he would face problems, struggle for playing time, and consider leaving his club.

The opposite occurred. In the 2024/25 season, Raphinha:

Helped Barcelona win La Liga

Won the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España

Finished as joint top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 13 goals

Was named La Liga Player of the Season

Earned a place in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season

Recorded 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 matches

7. Liverpool vs Luton

In 2023, Ayodele predicted a Liverpool victory over Luton Town. The match ended in a 1–1 draw at Kenilworth Road, with Luton scoring in the 80th minute and Liverpool salvaging a point through a 95th-minute equaliser by Luis Díaz.

8. Goodluck Jonathan

In January 2013, Ayodele predicted that former President Goodluck Jonathan would remain in office until 2019. Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election.

9. 2015 Kaduna Governorship Election

Ayodele predicted a narrow victory for the PDP in Kaduna State. Instead, Nasir el-Rufai of the APC won the election.

10. Zinedine Zidane

In his 2025 prophecy, Ayodele said of Zidane:

“He will get a new club side. He will excel in a particular way as he will devise a new strategy.”

Zidane has not coached any club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and did not take up a new role in 2025.

Public Reactions and Scriptural Perspective

Ikenna Samuelson, a human rights activist, in a write-up, dismissed Ayodele as a businessman and “Bet Naija Prophet.”

The analyst said, “From his 2022 Prophesies on Imo State Affairs, one can rightly see that Elijah Ayodele is just a hustler. A true Prophet Of Almighty God makes accurate prophesies on issues of concern.”

Tobi Atemenu who was at one of Ayodele’s recent press conferences also said: “That guy is just a gambler. He tells you the sun will rise at 12 pm as prophecy. Even a mad man knows that will happen.”

What does scripture say about prophecy and prophets.

1 Corinthians 14:3 says “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.”

This shows prophecy is meant to build up, not confuse or manipulate.

Scripture is also very strong on warnings against false prophets.

Matthew 7:15 says: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing”

Deuteronomy 18:22 also says “When a prophet speaks… if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.”

1 John 4:1 is also clear, it says: “Test the spirits, whether they are of God.”

This means that every prophecy must agree with God’s Word, come to pass, and produce godly fruit.

Selah!