A Nigerian prophet, Aliyu Barnabas, has publicly apologized to fintech company OPay following a controversial prophecy in which he claimed the digital banking platform would collapse.
The self-acclaimed prophet issued the apology after OPay threatened legal action over the statement, which had sparked reactions across social media.
In a video shared online, Barnabas said he never intended to harm anyone’s business, explaining that he only acted on what he believed to be a divine message. He pleaded for forgiveness and officially retracted the prophecy.
He said, “As una know, I did prophecy concerning OPay. I no get intention to spoil any person business. I’m sorry if that prophecy spoil any person business. I no just purpose to prophecy — na wetin God send me to do. I’m sorry, that prophecy is withdrawn in Jesus’ name.”
He concluded the video by urging people to “let love lead.”
The apology has since stirred mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the prophet for making reckless predictions about a legitimate business.
A social media user, King, wrote, “Had it been it actually happened, he would have been termed the anointed one from God. That’s how they go about deceiving people in the name of prophecies.”
Another, Israel Usolor, queried, “Why are you prophesying that an important institution should fail? Do you know the consequences of such prophecy?”
Others accused the prophet of seeking attention, while some supported OPay’s decision to consider legal action.