The former president of Liberia, George Weah, alongside several prominent figures such as former deputy governor of Edo State Phillip Shaibu, Nigeria Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom Oba Oladele Kosoko, Onisabe of Igbobi-Sade Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, and UN representatives, inaugurated the ultra-modern church auditorium of Primate Elijah Ayodele.
The inauguration, held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries from around the world, celebrating God’s work in Primate Ayodele’s life. The new auditorium, with a capacity of 10,000, was completed within a year following divine instruction to expand the worship space. The event was part of Primate Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme, which began in January and will conclude tomorrow.
During the ceremony, George Weah praised Primate Ayodele as his spiritual guide, highlighting the prophet’s divine connection and expressing gratitude for being given the honor to commission the church. He emphasized the significance of the event, affirming his support for the church.
“I am honoured to join you here today for the commissioning of this cathedral and groundbreaking for an estate. This demonstrates our collective gratitude to God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. The Bible teaches us that it is not enough to follow God’s commands but to be actively involved in the act of teaching others and those who embark on such spiritual journey will be considered great.
“Primate Ayodele is a great man of God, there is nowhere else I would rather be today but here with God’s people. This is the least I can give back for all the blessings I have received. I want to assure the congregation of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church of my unwavering support.
“Primate Ayodele and INRI church, I am excited about this, thank you Primate, my father I sincerely appreciate this, and we are eternally grateful. I dedicate this cathedral in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. May the almighty God bless us.”
George Weah also presented a gift to Primate Ayodele as a token of appreciation for the spiritual guidance and blessings he had received.
In his speech, Primate Ayodele expressed deep admiration for George Weah, symbolically handing him the Liberian flag to signify his return to political power. He openly declared George Weah as the incoming president of Liberia and presented a gift to show gratitude for his humility and attendance.
Former deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, also praised Primate Ayodele. He expressed his surprise and gratitude at being invited despite no longer being in office. He commended the prophet for his genuine love and contributions to society.
“Primate Ayodele is a man of God that I have always admired and I am very proud and elated to be invited to this programme. It is only when you are in power that you get invitations like this but when this comes even when you are out of power, it shows true love so I want to appreciate the Primate for inviting me to witness this. Just today, he gave scholarships to people, JAMB, and WAEC forms and I thank God and appreciate him for all he does for society and pray that God continues to bless him.”
The ceremony also included the groundbreaking of a residential estate and a mosque, both officiated by George Weah.
In line with Primate Ayodele’s philanthropic nature, the commissioning featured numerous empowerment initiatives for various groups, including students, business owners, journalists, church members, and widows. Twenty-five secondary school students received JAMB and WAEC forms, while others were granted university scholarships. Additionally, two vehicles were given as gifts—one to a church member named Ayo Babalola and another to journalist Ayodele Dedeigbo, publisher of TownCrier News.
The event demonstrated Primate Ayodele’s continued dedication to spiritual and societal growth, further cementing his reputation as a man of God and community leader.
