Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has opened up about the severe persecution she endured due to her interfaith marriage, sharing harrowing details of death threats and hostility directed at her for being a Christian married to a Muslim. In a recent interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in Washington, United States, she recounted how an Islamic cleric in northern Nigeria labeled her a heathen and called for her to be stoned and killed.
Hostility and Threats Over Faith and Marriage
Mrs. Tinubu, an ordained Pentecostal pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), explained that her marriage to President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, has made her a target of religious intolerance. She emphasized that many of those who defended her during these difficult times were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, highlighting the complex nature of religious relations in the country.
"There was a Muslim cleric that said I'm a heathen, that I should be stoned and killed," she stated, underscoring the personal dangers she faced. Despite this, she credited her faith in Jesus for providing peace in her marriage, noting, "If I'm going to enjoy my marriage, Jesus has to come in and give me that peace. My husband is a good man."
Rejecting Claims of Christian Genocide
During the interview, Oluremi Tinubu firmly dismissed allegations that Nigeria is experiencing a Christian genocide, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. She argued that the violence in the country does not fit the description of genocide, attributing it instead to terrorism, criminality, and longstanding instability.
"I don't think so," she said, explaining that insecurity is driven by factors such as kidnapping for ransom and terrorist activities, rather than a coordinated religious agenda. She warned that narratives of Christian genocide could be exploited by terrorists to justify attacks on churches, further complicating security efforts.
Appreciation for U.S. Military Support
The First Lady expressed gratitude for American military assistance in combating terrorist groups in Nigeria, noting that it helped prevent attacks during the last Christmas celebration. She highlighted the importance of international cooperation, specifically thanking United States President Donald Trump for his support during her visit to Washington.
Oluremi Tinubu's trip included meetings with U.S. lawmakers to advocate for the protection of Christians in Nigeria amid security concerns. Her efforts coincided with U.S. initiatives to address killings in northern Nigeria and allegations of targeted violence against Christians. President Trump praised her as a respected leader during the National Prayer Breakfast event.
Linking Security to Economic Recovery
Mrs. Tinubu also connected improved security measures to attracting foreign investment and fostering economic recovery under the Tinubu administration. She described U.S. Christmas Day airstrikes on militants as a welcome intervention and emphasized Nigeria's desire for deeper security collaboration with the United States during meetings with senior U.S. officials.
This candid revelation from the First Lady sheds light on the personal challenges faced by public figures in Nigeria's diverse religious landscape, while also addressing broader security and political issues affecting the nation.
