Religious diversity at home: a tribute to Remi Tinubu, by Jimoh Ibrahim

In a home where the husband is a Muslim and the wife is a Christian, the stability of all issues reflects the celebration of both faiths as a living example of religious diversity—despite the complexities inherent in such differences. Even if I offend the President by saying this, the credit for this remarkable balance goes to Senator Remi Tinubu, an extraordinary example of a wife, a mother, and the pride of a nation. She remains devoted to Christ and to her husband with unwavering commitment over the years.

She understands the price of peace and bears the full responsibility of maintaining a home with a deeply devoted Muslim husband. Senator Oluremi Tinubu highlights the essential values of Christianity from Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These values complement her husband’s Islamic foundation rooted in the Quran, 9:51:
“Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector. And upon Allah let the believers rely.”

President Tinubu is steadfast in his commitment to tolerance—no doubt influenced by the rewards and peace he has enjoyed from his wife’s dedication to both her faith and the family. Oluremi is fully devoted to the home and to Christ. I see in her countenance the incredible desire to attain heaven—and, perhaps, to one day discover where Bola is! Surely, for another marriage. Of course, there is no marriage in heaven, but there is a holiday between the first and second life. Even when President Tinubu is available, he too may enjoy this period until we all return—when he will surely go in search of his beloved Oluremi.

As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, we reflect on values such as obedience, faith, joy, peace, and immeasurable happiness. President Tinubu’s home stands as living evidence of how these ideals can be achieved in a diverse religious household. Every family must embrace these core aspects of Eid. We must remain committed to our promises and to the unity of one Nigeria—demonstrated through love, tolerance, and kindness.

Our peace is rooted in our belief in building a nation that no one else can create for us. If a religiously diverse home like the President’s can thrive on a foundation of credible love, then our nation, too, can use its diversity as a source of strength and innovation.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has shared a rare and inspiring message of matrimonial success. She acknowledges the challenges that come with social cohesion, misunderstandings, and conflict—but firmly states that she has managed these dynamics for years. Today, we celebrate those efforts as a testament to the success of the Tinubu family.

The essential lesson from the “One Nigeria” project is that respecting our differences is crucial to building a more tolerant and understanding society—where peace, love, and kindness are the fundamental pillars of meaningful progress.

She deserves a country cake.


Senator Ibrahim, CFR, is the first person since 1209 to obtain a Business Doctorate from the University of Cambridge.

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