Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has spoken about his early religious upbringing and family background, stressing that character and service to God mattered more than religious labels in his household.
Fashola made the remarks during an interview from 5:30 alongside his wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola, on The Morayo Show Podcast hosted by Afolabi-Brown Morayo on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Speaking on his childhood and exposure to Christianity, the former governor disclosed that his maternal family played a significant role in shaping his early faith. “My maternal grandparents were Christians. They were Anglicans,” Fashola said.
He explained that his upbringing was largely influenced by his mother, who was also a Christian. “So, I grew up with my mother who is Christian. So, every Sunday, as the sun shines, I am in St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Ebutemeta,” he stated. Fashola noted that his immersion in Christian worship and practice lasted throughout his formative years. “Until I was 18. So, I knew nothing about Islam,” he said.
He attributed this to the absence of his father during his childhood years. “I didn’t grow up with my father. My father was in England. So, the only faith I knew was church,” Fashola explained. The former governor further recounted that his education was also rooted in Christian institutions. “I went to Anglican schools. I was a school prefect. I led assemblies, sang doxology,” he added.
Addressing questions about religious identity, Fashola revealed that his family environment was diverse but guided by a shared moral principle. “So, now, interestingly, I also have Christian siblings,” he said. He emphasized that religion was not used as a dividing line within his family. “So, the rule in our house was not about Christianity or Islam. It was that you must serve God,” Fashola stated.
He described this approach as foundational to his understanding of faith and personal responsibility. “And, very interesting story,” he added, before reflecting more broadly on human relationships. “But, look, listen. At the end of the day is who both of you are,” Fashola said. See_More…