A leadership change in the Nigeria Police Force has drawn public attention after cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele stated that he foresaw the emergence of a new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) just hours before the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
According to information shared by the cleric’s church, Primate Ayodele made the statement around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday during his regular prayer session titled “God Will Not Put Me to Shame.” In a video later circulated on the church’s social media platforms, he said he saw a new IGP emerging and added that several senior police officers would retire.
At the time of the statement, there was no public report or official indication that Egbetokun was about to leave office. Egbetokun was widely regarded as a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having worked with him for several years, which made the development unexpected to many observers.
In the video, Primate Ayodele said: “I see a new IGP. A new IGP is going to emerge, and many senior officers will go on retirement.”
In a separate statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric also predicted broader changes within Nigeria’s security leadership. He said the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and other service chiefs would be replaced before the end of 2026, adding that the changes would take place before the next general election unless circumstances changed.
Later the same day, reports emerged that Egbetokun had stepped down from his position. The Presidency subsequently confirmed his resignation, stating that it was due to pressing family matters.
In an official statement, the Presidency said President Tinubu had accepted Egbetokun’s resignation and commended his service, describing him as dedicated and professional. The President also praised his efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security during his tenure.
Following Egbetokun’s exit, Tunji Disu, previously an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was announced as his replacement.
Supporters of Primate Ayodele have pointed out that the cleric had spoken repeatedly about Egbetokun’s possible removal in the past. In April 2025, he publicly advised the former IGP to seek divine intervention to avoid leaving office. In May 2025, during an interview with a national newspaper, he again stated that he foresaw the removal of the Inspector-General of Police.
With the confirmation of Egbetokun’s resignation and the appointment of a new IGP, followers of the cleric say his earlier statements have now come to pass, reinforcing his claim that the prediction was prophetic rather than based on political speculation or insider information.
