The recent dismissal of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has sparked widespread discussions.

At the heart of the controversy is Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who had consistently warned President Bola Tinubu to relieve Kyari of his duties. This report examines the unfolding drama, the accusations, and the implications of Kyari’s dismissal.

Primate Ayodele’s Prophetic Declaration

In August 2024, Primate Ayodele publicly urged President Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari, citing deep-rooted corruption and inefficiencies in the oil sector. According to Ayodele, Nigeria’s petroleum industry was in disarray, and if the government failed to act, there would be nationwide protests. His statement, delivered in a viral video, included a stark warning:

“One of the most important things Tinubu should do is sack the GMD of the NNPC. If this is not done by the end of the month, another major protest will erupt. This could threaten Tinubu’s administration and make governance impossible. There is a lot of rot in the NNPC. I foresee a protest that could halt the economy for 120 hours.”

Backlash from Kyari’s Camp

Following this prophecy, supporters of Mele Kyari launched a counterattack, dismissing Ayodele’s statements as baseless. They alleged that the prophet was aligned with oil cabals and that his past predictions had failed to materialize. Additionally, paid publications surfaced, attempting to discredit Ayodele and tarnish his reputation.

Despite these efforts, Primate Ayodele remained steadfast in his warnings, reiterating that his statements were based on divine revelations rather than personal or political motivations.

Dismissal of Mele Kyari: A Prophecy Fulfilled?

Months after the initial warning, President Tinubu took decisive action, removing Mele Kyari from his position along with other top NNPCL executives. New appointments were immediately announced, signaling a shift in the leadership of Nigeria’s oil sector.

For many observers, this move validated Ayodele’s prophecy, raising questions about the credibility of his critics and the potential consequences for Kyari.

Implications and Lessons Learned

Kyari’s removal shows the significance of leadership accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. It also highlights the influence of religious figures in national discourse. Whether driven by divine insight or political pragmatism, the sequence of events leading to Kyari’s dismissal serves as a lesson in governance and humility.

As the dust settles, one lingering question remains: Who truly had the last laughPrimate Ayodele, who stood by his prophecy, or Mele Kyari, who now faces an uncertain future?