“I’m Sorry” — Prophet Aliyu Barnabas Withdraws OPay Crash Prophecy After Backlash

A Nigerian prophet, Aliyu Barnabas, who earlier prophesied that fintech giant OPay would collapse before the end of 2025, has publicly retracted his statement and apologised to both the company and Nigerians.

The cleric had stirred nationwide reactions after a viral video showed him warning that the mobile payment platform would crash between October and December 2025.

His message sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians demanding that he be held accountable for spreading fear and misinformation about a thriving company.

Facing mounting backlash, Prophet Barnabas released a video apology, explaining that he never intended to harm OPay’s reputation or disrupt public confidence in the digital banking sector. He insisted that his prophecy came from what he believed was divine inspiration but has now withdrawn it.

In his words:

“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 talk for myself — na wetin I believe God tell me. But I withdraw am in Jesus’ name. I’m sorry.”

The prophet concluded his message with a plea for peace and unity, saying, “Let love lead.”

His apology has since gone viral, attracting mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.

While some commended him for owning up to his mistake, others criticized him for making careless predictions that could have affected investor confidence and the company’s public image.

One user wrote: “Had it been it actually happened, he would have been called the anointed one. This is how many deceive people in the name of prophecy.”
Another commented: “Why would a man of God wish failure on a legitimate business that feeds thousands?”

Despite the apology, many netizens have urged OPay to take legal action to protect its brand image, warning that false prophecies can have serious financial and reputational consequences.