Did you know that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a Christian name? Not many people know that the APC Presidential candidate has, only few know that he bears Abraham.
We can tell you this authoritatively. His Christian name was given to him by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Many don’t even know that both Tinubu, and Pastor Adeboye are very close. They are. Again, we can tell you authoritatively that they both enjoy a friendship of about 23 years, which dates back to May 1999 when Tinubu became Governor of Lagos State.
After Tinubu was sworn in as the Governor of Lagos State, he introduced a liberal religious policy in Lagos State, which allowed all shades of religion to blossom. Though he is a Muslim, he was a bit liberal-hearted in his attitude and policy, as Christians had the latitude to practise their faith unmolested. The traditionists were also encouraged to practice their religion.
It was on this religious note that the relationship between Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Pastor Enoch Adeboye started and flourished. Tinubu also maintained a healthy relationship with the leaders of other faith. As Governor of Lagos State, he encouraged the culture of inviting the Christian & Muslim leaders to state events and functions. Pastor Adeboye also honoured invitations to be guests at the annual Xmas Carols held at the government house.
What further brought Tinubu closer to Papa Adeboye is that his wife, Oluremi, has always been a valued a member of RCCG and she took her faith serious. She still does.
As evidence of Tinubu’s liberalism, he (a Muslim) allows his wife to embrace the Christian faith and as part of deepening her commitment to her faith, she took time off to go to the Bible School for training and soon became a Deaconess. It was Oluremi’s involvement with the Redeemed Church that further brought Tinubu closer to Pastor Adeboye.
Recently, Tinubu at one of his numerous meetings with stakeholders in the North, revealed how Pastor Adeboye gave him a Christian name, Abraham. He revelaed that unknown to many, he and Pastor Adeboye are close. He recalled how he went to visit Baba one day and Adeboye gave him Abraham, as his Christian name. He told his audience that after Pastor Adeboye gave him the name Abraham, he then asked him why. He said Papa Adeboye told him that it is was in line with the definition of Abraham in the Bible, which means father of All Nations. What Asiwaju was driving at was that Papa Adeboye had long ago predicted that he would become the Father of The Nation.
City People can authoritatively reveal that over the years Tinubu has supported the Christian Community across Lagos than even Muslims. He has a way of balancing the 2.
His wife has also helped him. As a Christian, she has been mobilising Christians across the country. So also the Youths. Don’t forget that she is popular among the Youths. She has the New Era Foundation that has produced many successful young people. Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a Pastor of Redeemed Church. Recall that at the 66th Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the General Overseer, Pastor EA Adeboye ordained over 3000 candidates as Assistant Pastors and Pastors. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was then representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, was one of them. The theme of the convention was “Dominion” and the APC leader was there to witness the event. Her ordination was done by Pastor Adewole Haastrup, the Assistant General Overseer at the Old Arena of RCCG, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
To become a Pastor in RCCG, you are required to go through Baptismal and Workers-in- Training classes. The candidate must have completed a one-year course at the church’s School of Disciples and consistently participated in church activities and programmes. The person must also be a worker that has served in different or a specific position in the parish he attends and must be recommended by Senior Pastors for ordination. These were the stages Senator Oluremi passed through and became a Deaconess of the church for many years before her ordination as Pastor. The National Overseer of the Church, Pastor Joseph Obayemi presented the 3,406 candidates to the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to be ordained to the office of assistant pastors in the church, after due examination by relevant authorities. After the presentation, the General Overseer explained that ordination into the office of assistant pastors of RCCG is done with anointing of Oil, laying of hands, proclamation, and prayer and they all filed out for the anointing which symbolizes the official stamp on them to operate in the office of assistant pastors in the mission, which was led by Pastor (Mrs) Foluke Adeboye, mummy GO.
The pretty wife of APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has never hidden the fact that she is a Christian and a practicing one at that. She supports anything that has to do with church, especially Redeemed Christian Church of God, where she serves as a pastor. Her beautiful life and encounter with Christ started several decades ago and she has kept her faith intact ever since. Despite being married to a muslim, Senator Tinubu loves the things of God. Infact, her husband is her number one fan when it comes to her religion. It’s no wonder their marriage has lasted over 25 years despite the fact that they practice different religions.
On one occasion, Asiwaju spoke glowingly about his wife being a dedicated Christian. He said he has never seen anyone so organized like his wife.. He said, “for Remi, my wife who is here, very detailed, if you are looking for somebody that has gotten me organized a bit, it is my wife. She never jokes with the things of God and you cannot find her being late to church”.
Apart from the fact that she is now a Pastor, she shares a close mother-sister relationship with the Adeboyes, especially Mummy GO, Pastor Foluke Adeboye. She has been a recurring decimal at all Redeemed Church events, especially events of the Adeboyes and the Adeboyes also honour Senator Remi Tinubu at her events. Recall that during Sen Remi Tinubu’s 50th birthday, Pastor Adeboye and his wife, Folu led over 2000 Christians to Eko Hotel and Suites for the birthday praise concert. Popular RCCG saxophonist, Kunle Ajayi serenaded guests. Infact, Pastor Adeboye delivered the sermon. Also, Senator Tinubu is always present at all Pastor Adeboye and Mama’s birthdays. This closeness they have shared for many years. In one of Sen. Remi Tinubu’s interviews, before she became a pastor, she said:
‘’I am not a Pastor; I am just a Deaconess but I am a graduate of Bible College. Mama Adeboye is a spiritual mother to me. I remember when I approached her that I was going to the Senate, she said ‘make sure you stand for God.’ I can never forget. Going for a second term, I have already gone to them. So, I have spiritual parents that I don’t want to put to shame and I, of course, don’t want to put my family to shame. So, I know what the faith requires me to do”.
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