“Obasanjo Has Done More for Islam Than Many Muslims” — Sheikh Onikijipa
In a surprising twist at a religious event in Abeokuta, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his extensive support of Islam and called on him to officially embrace the faith.
The occasion was the public presentation of the remodelling designs of the Egba Central Mosque, held on Friday, April 18, a date which also marked Good Friday in the Christian calendar. The event drew top Islamic dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Speaking passionately in Yoruba, Onikijipa declared:
“Obasanjo has done more for Islam than many who claim to be Muslims. He built the National Mosque in Abuja and is now facilitating the renovation of the Egba Central Mosque. The only thing left is for him to say the Shahada and perform salat.”
The Grand Mufti likened Obasanjo’s generosity to that of a companion of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who, though not a Muslim, supported the Prophet to the point that the Prophet wished he had accepted Islam.
His remarks drew a visible reaction from the Sultan of Sokoto, who was seen nodding in agreement and pointing toward the former president, sparking murmurs and applause from the audience.
While Obasanjo, a lifelong Christian, did not immediately respond to the appeal, the moment has triggered wide public discourse about his role in promoting religious infrastructure and interfaith understanding in Nigeria.
The event served not only as a milestone for the Egba Muslim community but also as a platform for renewed dialogue about unity, spirituality, and the legacy of national leaders in religious development.
