The Embassy of Liberia in Abuja formally lodged a diplomatic complaint with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday, June 8, 2026, over highly controversial public remarks made by Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele regarding Liberia’s presidency.
Prophet Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, released a widely shared video stating that Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is “confused, tired,” and lacks an understanding of the demands of national leadership. He further claimed that Liberia’s economy is in absolute “confusion”.
In its formal communication, the Liberian Embassy warned that Ayodele’s prophetic declarations could distort public perception, jeopardize national cohesion, and strain decades of cordial diplomatic relations between Liberia and Nigeria. The mission urged Nigerian authorities to urgently review the matter to maintain regional stability and diplomatic decorum.
The prophetic declarations have sparked an intense political and social debate within Liberia:
Supporter groups and Unity Party critics heavily condemned the cleric, stating his rhetoric amounted to an attack on the President. Critics cited biblical texts, arguing that citizens should respect governing authorities and protect democratic stability.
Conversely, opposition groups like the Weah Movements 2029 Nationwide Auxiliaries Groups Network released a statement defending the cleric. They asserted that divine prophecy is not limited by nationality or politics, and warned Liberians against ridiculing spiritual messages aimed at warning or correcting the nation’s leadership.
In a subsequent video broadcast, Primate Ayodele fired back at his Liberian critics, doubling down on his spiritual insights and stating he remains completely unbothered by political backlash or public approval.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official public response regarding the diplomatic petition.
