Abeokuta, Ogun State – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been publicly encouraged to convert to Islam in recognition of his long-standing support for the religion. The appeal came from Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, during the unveiling of architectural plans for the renovation of the Egba Central Mosque in Kobiti, Abeokuta.
The high-profile event took place on Friday, April 18, which coincided with Good Friday, a key Christian observance. Also present was the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar III, who was seen nodding and gesturing affirmatively toward Obasanjo as Onikijipa made his appeal.
In a message delivered in Yoruba, Sheikh Onikijipa acknowledged Obasanjo’s contributions to Islam and called on him to take one final step before his passing.
He said: “Perform solat before his death because of his contribution to Islam.”
The cleric further stated that Obasanjo should make the “Kalimatu Shahada” — the Islamic declaration of faith that says “Laillaha Illalah, meaning there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Sheikh Onikijipa highlighted that Obasanjo was instrumental in building the National Mosque in Abuja and is now involved in the remodelling of the Egba Central Mosque. He compared Obasanjo to a historical companion of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who, despite not being Muslim, offered immense support to the Prophet — prompting the Prophet to wish the individual were a believer.
The former president, a devout Christian, was in attendance at the mosque presentation event, even though it took place during the Christian Holy Week. While Christians marked Good Friday in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, Obasanjo was participating in a Muslim religious project, further emphasizing his interfaith engagements.
How Easter Is Calculated Each Year
The timing of Easter, which Obasanjo was expected to observe, is determined through a method known as the computus. It bears some resemblance to how Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan are timed.
In Western Christianity, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (typically March 21). However, this date calculation includes variables such as the ecclesiastical full moon — a date set by church rules, not necessarily matching the astronomical full moon — and the 19-year Metonic cycle.
