Christian perspectives on news and current events.
The following is a transcription of On the Lord’s Side Podcast presented on GospelBellsRadio on May 5, 2026 by Olufemi Oguntokun. It may not fully match with the audio, but represents a near perfect transcription of the broadcast.
On Primate Ayodele’s Message to Bayo Adelabu
Good morning to you once again. It is Tuesday, the fifth of May 2026. The program is On the Lord’s Side — Christian perspectives on news and current events. My name is Olufemi. You can follow me on X at Olufemi OG. You can follow Gospel Bells Radio on X at Gospel Bells Radio.
I want to begin by inviting you to engage with this audio from one of the popular individuals who put themselves forward as prophets in Nigeria. This man, Primate Ayodele, is well known in many circles for claiming to know the mind of God and to accurately predict or call forth the future.
For some time now, he has been engaged in a public dispute of sorts with the immediate past Minister of Power and Energy in Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Adelabu. Let me give some context. There was a time when news broke that Mr. Bayo Adelabu, while still serving as Minister, reported this Primate to a law enforcement agency, alleging that the Primate attempted to extort him.
The Primate, on his part, presented his own version of events. In summary, he claimed that he was acting in Mr. Adelabu’s best interest. He said he had received spiritual revelations indicating that Mr. Adelabu would only become governor of Oyo State if he visited his church, listened to him, and carried out specific instructions said to have come from the Holy Spirit. That was the state of play before now.
Since then, Mr. Adelabu has resigned as Minister of Power and Energy, returned to Ibadan — the capital of Oyo State — and picked up the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress to contest for the party’s gubernatorial ticket in the 2027 election.
Now listen to what is circulating on social media as the latest statement by this man:
“You are my son. I love you. What you need to become governor is in my hand. Come and take it. Try it. Let them put you there. If you don’t take it, you will lose.”
On the Cultural Understanding of Prophetic Demands
I challenge you to listen carefully and understand what this man is saying — and what he is attempting to do.
Even though he did not explicitly mention money, within the Nigerian cultural context, it is widely understood that such statements often carry an implicit expectation. Either a gift will follow, or, if the prophecy is perceived to come to pass, there will be a moral or social pressure to reward the “prophet.”
Many people regard such figures as opportunists — individuals attempting to profit from spiritual claims. Now, whether this man truly has the gift of prophecy is not for me to determine. Scripture instructs us to test all things.
The Bible provides clear standards:
- If a person claims to prophesy, what he says must come to pass.
- We must also examine his fruits — whether his life aligns with Christ.
We must also acknowledge that even genuine gifts can be misused. But one thing is certain: we are not to sell the gift of God. Scripture is clear — “Freely you have received; freely give.”
On the Danger of Desperation
As I reflect on this, a deeper issue emerges — the danger of desperation.
Consider a different scenario: a desperately sick person. Even if that person previously doubted such a “prophet,” desperation might push him to reconsider. He might say, “Who am I to judge? Take me to him.”
That is what desperation does. It lowers discernment. It drives people to grasp at anything — even straws.
A desperate person may seek help not only from a supposed prophet but even from a marabout or an idol priest. When people are desperate, they do what they would ordinarily reject.
Those who exploit others understand this well. They begin by asking: What is this person desperate for? Once they identify it, they position themselves as the solution. That is the foundation of many manipulative schemes.
On Wisdom in Times of Trouble
Recently, in the Readers’ Club on Gospel Bells Radio, we revisited The Pilgrim’s Progress, particularly the character Mr. Worldly Wiseman.
He exploited Christian’s vulnerability — his sorrow over leaving his family and his desperation to be rid of his burden.
This teaches us a vital lesson: do not wear your troubles on your face.
Even when fasting, Jesus instructs us to anoint our heads. Even in hardship, the Christian declares, “It is well.”
Like the woman whose son had died, we say, “All is well.”
The Lord is our portion. He is at our right hand. We shall not be moved. Even in the deepest distress — like Jonah in the belly of the fish — we cry out to God.
On Guarding Against Desperate Situations
I pray that the Lord will shield you — and all of us — from situations that drive people into desperation.
But even when God permits us to pass through the wilderness, may He grant us the grace to say:
“The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup… I shall not be moved.”
Call upon Him directly. Those who belong to Him have access to Him in the name of Jesus.
Let your desperation not be visible to all. Paul says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Even in hardship, maintain composure.
Because those who exploit others can detect desperation from afar. When people know what you desperately want, they will present all kinds of offers.
On the Female Preacher and the Exclusivity of Christ
Next, I turn to another troubling development — a sermon by a female preacher in North America.
In this clip, she argues that claiming Jesus as the only way to salvation does not make sense.
But the foundation of Christianity is the confession made by Peter:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
You are not a Christian until you have made that confession.
Listen to her claim:
“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life…’ but this should not be taken literally, rather metaphysically… Christianity is not a ‘my way or the highway’ religion.”
On Strategies Used to Undermine Scripture
What we see here is a recurring pattern.
One preacher says, “Jesus did not say it — it was added later.”
Another says, “The Bible is not the Word of God, just words about God.”
Now this one says, “Jesus said it, but don’t take it literally.”
Different strategies — same goal: undermine Scripture.
On Sheep Without a Shepherd
As I watched the video, I observed the congregation — elderly men and women listening attentively.
It struck me deeply: these are people sitting in church, yet they are without a shepherd.
Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion because they were “like sheep without a shepherd.”
They had religious leaders — yet no true guidance.
On the End Game and the Call to Evangelism
The ultimate aim of such teachings is clear:
To silence the gospel.
To stop evangelism.
If all paths lead to God, why preach Christ?
But Christianity is inherently evangelical.
After His resurrection, Jesus repeatedly said: “Go and tell.”
At His final commission: “Go into all the world.”
If we are not telling, we are not living the Christian life fully.
I pray that God will have compassion on those who are truly without shepherds.
I pray He will raise faithful laborers.
I pray that you and I will be bold in proclaiming the truth.
Do not be persuaded that Jesus did not mean what He said.
Do not be persuaded that Scripture is not inspired.
May a generation arise — bold, unwavering — proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.
God bless you. You are listening to GospelBellsRadio.com, the Christian internet radio with a mission to engage the culture with the mind of Christ. Keep listening and invite others too. God bless you.
