By. Dayo Adesulu
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has offered rare and personal insights into his faith journey and marriage, revealing how mutual respect, communication, and humor have shaped his home over the years.
Rather than focusing on politics or public office, Fashola’s reflections spotlight the quieter discipline behind a long-lasting marriage—how disagreements are handled, how faith evolved, and why trust remains central to his family life.
Fashola’s Faith Journey: From Anglican Roots to Islam
Fashola disclosed that he was raised a Christian and did not grow up as a Muslim, contrary to popular assumptions about his background.
According to him, his mother and grandparents were devoted Anglican Christians, and his childhood was deeply rooted in church life. He attended Saint Jude Anglican Church in Ebute-Meta every Sunday, where Christian teachings shaped his early worldview and values.
He explained that his understanding of Islam only began much later.
“I didn’t learn about Islam until I was about 18 years old,” Fashola said, noting that his eventual conversion came after personal reflection and maturity.
This clarification, he noted, is important in understanding both his faith journey and how religion is approached within his marriage.
Addressing the “Unbeliever” Question in Marriage
Fashola also addressed questions often raised about interfaith perceptions, particularly why his wife would marry someone described by some as an “unbeliever.”
He explained that such labels depend largely on religious interpretation.
In Islam, he said, anyone who is not a Muslim may be referred to as an unbeliever, but the term does not carry the same meaning across all faiths. Christianity, Islam, and other religions define belief and unbelief differently, and understanding this distinction has helped prevent religious tension in his home.
For the Fasholas, mutual respect has always outweighed rigid labels.
“Every Marriage Has Arguments” — Fashola on Conflict at Home
Speaking candidly, Fashola admitted that his marriage, like any other, is not without disagreements.
He acknowledged that in many instances, he is the one at fault.
However, he stressed that disagreements are handled with maturity and restraint, especially in the presence of their children.
According to him:
Their children have never witnessed them fight.
Whenever disagreements arise and the children are around, both parents immediately pause the conversation.
They do not involve extended family members in marital disputes.
All issues are resolved privately and peacefully.
This intentional approach, he said, has helped preserve stability and emotional safety within their household.
The Apology Moment That Always Breaks Him
One of the most striking revelations from Fashola’s account is how his wife responds when he refuses to apologize despite being wrong.
Instead of escalating the argument, she takes a calm and humorous route.
“She tells me, ‘The devil is worrying you; I will pray for you,’” Fashola said.
He explained that this unexpected response often disarms him completely. Rather than provoking anger, it forces him to reflect deeply, feel remorse, and eventually apologize on his own.
Afterward, they reconcile and move on.
For Fashola, this method has proven far more effective than confrontation, highlighting the power of emotional intelligence in marriage.
Dame Abimbola Fashola on Handling Rumors with Trust
Fashola’s wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola, also shared insights into their marriage while speaking on The Morayo Show, particularly on how she dealt with rumors about her husband.
She recounted how her sisters once alerted her to claims that Fashola allegedly had another family in Magodo, Lagos, and was frequently seen in the area.
Rather than reacting emotionally or spreading the issue further, she said she remained calm.
Guided by what she described as the leading of the Holy Spirit, she chose to confront the matter directly by asking her husband.
According to her, Fashola clearly denied the claim and explained that his frequent visits to Magodo were linked solely to political campaigns at the time.
Communication and Trust as the Foundation
Mrs. Fashola emphasized that open communication defines their marriage.
She said they discuss everything openly, which made it easy for her to seek clarification directly from her husband rather than believing rumors.
Because of this trust and transparency, she noted, external gossip has never had the power to destabilize their home.
A Private Life Built on Respect
Together, the accounts from both Fashola and his wife paint a picture of a marriage anchored on respect, restraint, faith, and dialogue—far removed from public drama.
Beyond politics and public service, their story highlights how patience, humor, and honest conversation can sustain a relationship, even under the pressures of public life.
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