Primate Theophilus Olabayo is the head and spiritual leader of The Evangelical Church of Yahweh based at Mende, Maryland, Lagos. In this interview with SEGUN OTOKITI, he spoke his mind on the state of the nation, involvement of men of God in politics and other controversial spiritual issues.
Yo no longer seem the popular Prophet Olabayo of the 1980’s and 1990’s that people, including government officials as well as prominent members of the society, come to for prophecy. What is the reason for this downturn?
It’s not true that I’m no longer popular as before. If you are familiar with newspapers you see how often leading newspapers run stories and interviews on me. Though there are times one needs to keep low, i’ve kept prophesying to the nation about some of the issues troubling it today but the authorities would not care. I must praise everyone who is presently living in this country at this present time. These are perilous times; I have predicted all the things that are presently happening, but the leaders did not listen. Even when it concerned their personal lives, they did not listen. During the time that president Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida removed the ban on politics, and MKO Abiola came to me to say he wanted to contest, I told him that God said he should not contest. Well, he went ahead and we all saw what came out of it. When Yar’adua came on, I said he should pray hard that I saw him sick and that the sickness would lead to his death. Instead of him to look for solution, they told me that I am a prophet of doom. But did the prophecy come to pass, or did it not? They said that Jonathan cannot be president. I said it that he will be president, even long before Yar’adua was dead. I predicted the rise of Boko Haram, terrorism, killings and suffering that will characterize the reign of Jonathan, that he is not the messiah, that he should do some certain prayers that could avert these calamities. He refused. Instead he packed all manner of fake religious men of God and like the Abacha period, they were parading Aso Rock. Later we saw see the end of it. I warned at various times that President Goodluck Jonathan should not go for second term but to give in to a northerner to succeed. He disregarded the prophecy. We can now all see what that disobedience is causing the country now. I also foretold of the present insurgency problem in the country; the death of Yar’adua, the failure of MKO Abiola becoming the president despite in spite of winning the election; Obasanjo becoming a toast in spite of all criticisms and insults hauled at him e.t.c. But unfortunately we don’t have listening leaders in this country.
Concerning all the prophecies you have been giving on politics, governance and leadership, have you at any time been consulted for spiritual solution by authorities?
All I know is that I’ve been visited by the state security service agents several times after I came out with the predictions. But that will not deter me from delivering God’s message and warnings. Those in authority sometimes like to rim themselves round with pastors or prophets that will deceive them and tell them what they like to hear. But I’m an established prophet and I’ll not do that.
Why is it that the upsurge in the number of churches has not stemmed the level of immorality in the country?
It is the sign of the end time. The words in the Bible cannot but be fulfilled. Many ministers of God found churches today not to win souls and lead people to heaven but to make money. It’s so bad that what anybody looking for money need do is to start a church.
You predicted the victory of Tinubu in the presidential elections when most others prophesied otherwise. It was the same story when Abiola contested for the presidency in 1993. You even successfully predicted Abacha’s death. Why are there different prophecies on same issues if truly men of God received visions from Him?
Let me start by saying that prophecy comes from Almighty. It is one of the gifts of the Spirit from God to Man; and that is the office I occupy and operates in I.e. the office of a Prophet. As a Prophet I seek the face of God day and night. By this, God reveals His mind to me.
I don’t do prophecy for financial benefits. When God reveals things to me, I say it the way I receive it, without adding or removing anything.
At the moment, we have lots of so called prophets that are after their belly. These are simply prayer contractors who work with some journalists and politicians to mislead the people. They are amongst those creating confusion in this country.
Before the Presidential Election, I inquire from the LORD who will be the next President of this country. God told me that amongst all the Presidential contestants that Bola Tinubu would emerge.
Years back when I met Tinubu in America, I told him that time will come when he would one day be President of this country. I have no personal relationship with him and I only met him back then in my member’s house. I don’t follow people’s opinion, but only what God tells me.
Now that Tinubu is president and with the way things are going politically in the country, how do you see the future?
Unless the government does the right thing, the chaos, the insurgence crisis and social disorder currently weighing on the country will be a child’s play to what is to come. Some people are planning to create chaos and unrest. They really never wanted a transition of power to President Tinubu and that was why they tried to form an interim government at a point. If they succeed, it will take the nation backward and there will be grave consequences.
What is the right thing the government should do?
Those at the helms of affair know what to do unless they want to deceive themselves. The president should stop surrounding himself with all the Mr. Fix it who are not fixing anything but troubles for him. He should busy himself with building and improving infrastructure and embark on projects that will alleviate the suffering of the masses. I strongly advise that he should not begin to do things that he will be negatively remembered for.
What do you have to say about the opposition, especially PDP and Labour Party?
Opposition parties, PDP and especially LP, are part of democratic experience. You win some and loose some, so whatever they do must be in the overall interest of the nation. Remember that my predictions about Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Rivers and Delta gubernatorial elections came to pass and the losers are not calling for blood.
Should Nigerians fear or expect serious unrest and even a war?
There will be no war. Politicians need to be careful about their utterances. Hate speech should not be encouraged. Though, I foresee political assassination amongst the politicians, as some people try to create chaos that will lead to civil unrest.
Is there any real hope in sight? If yes, in what form will it come?
Nigeria is going to be great. I have said this several times in the past. It is for the incoming government to restructure this country to some extent, so that the nation will experience economic growth and social stability in the near future. Young, vibrant youths and professionals with vast experience in various fields are needed to birth a new Nigeria.
You have often spoken of The Man of Destiny whom God shall raise for this country. Well, should we still be expecting him?
President Tinubu can best be described as a forerunner. God can use him for this time just as He used Cyrus in the Holy Bible.
In the event of death, to whom will the leadership of the church fall? Is it going to be one of your children?
It’s not heritage. The word of God is not heritage. God can call anybody among us. I have many people that are working here.
