Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has shared the personal moment that led him to quit drinking alcohol permanently. In a video posted on X on Tuesday, April 28, Osinbajo recounted how a simple encounter at a restaurant changed his perspective on alcohol consumption.
Osinbajo's Previous Views on Alcohol
Osinbajo admitted that he once believed there was nothing wrong with drinking alcohol. He cited the biblical account of Jesus turning water into wine as justification for his habit. He said, "I was very convinced that Jesus turned water into wine, so why shouldn't I drink? Of course, there are those who argue that the wine wasn't alcoholic. As far as I was concerned, Jesus turned water into wine, and there are many cases of people drinking wine."
He added that he had made up his mind to continue drinking despite being born again. "I thought, look, I don't mind anything else, but I like my wine. Every once in a while, red wine. And then I like my beer. I had made up my mind that I was going to continue drinking my beer, despite the fact that I was born again," he said.
The Restaurant Incident That Changed Everything
Osinbajo recalled a specific Sunday when he was returning from a fellowship where he had preached. He had planned to buy two cans of Heineken and go to his room to read his Bible. However, when he entered a restaurant in the UN compound, he saw many colleagues drinking beer. As soon as they noticed him, they began hiding their drinks.
He approached a Danish colleague and asked, "Why are you hiding your whiskey?" The colleague replied, "You know, you are the priest. We mustn't be drinking where the priest is."
That moment made Osinbajo reflect on his role and conduct. He realized that even if something is allowed, it may not be appropriate in every situation. He said, "It occurred to me immediately that there was no way I could be drinking there. How does the priest drink? It was very clear to me that, without a doubt, God was saying to me that yes, all things may be lawful, but not all things are expedient. All things may be lawful, but not all things edify."
From that day onward, Osinbajo said he has not touched alcohol. He described it as a long-standing decision that has remained firm.
Background and Context
Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria's vice president from 2015 to 2023, is known for his Christian faith and often speaks at religious gatherings. His decision to quit alcohol aligns with his public persona as a devout Christian leader.
In related news, gospel singer Testimony Jaga recently reacted strongly after Osinbajo dismissed the "prosperity gospel" doctrine. Osinbajo had stated that wealth and material success are not guaranteed outcomes of faith, describing such teachings as inconsistent with core Christian doctrine.
