Former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has opened up about his spiritual journey, detailing how he transitioned from Marxist ideology back to his Islamic roots.
Speaking during the 30th Anniversary Lecture of the NASRUL-LAHI-L-FATIH Society (NASFAT), Aregbesola recounted how youthful exposure to communist literature once drew him away from the devout Islamic faith in which he was raised. Despite being born into a family with over 500 years of Islamic heritage, he admitted that Marxist ideas captivated his mind in his early years.
“I was drawn to Marxist ideology through the materials I encountered in my youth. But by the infinite mercy of Allah, three significant individuals helped revive the light of faith in my heart,” Aregbesola said.
Now a distinguished member of NASFAT’s Board of Trustees, Aregbesola shared how a fellow National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Adamawa subtly influenced his return to Islam. He narrated a striking moment when the friend, after losing his bag, prioritized prayer and personal rituals over immediately retrieving the item—an act that left a lasting impression on him.
“I was there to prove to him that he was stupid,” Aregbesola said candidly. “But when we arrived at the park hours later, not only did we find the bag, the attendant handed it over after verifying his NYSC ID was inside. I was stunned. That moment shook me.”
The former minister also recalled how a woman he admired during his NYSC days later became his wife—and ultimately, the person who firmly brought him back to the Islamic faith.
“It was that lady that ultimately made me a Muslim,” he said.
Aregbesola concluded his remarks with heartfelt gratitude, crediting those individuals for leading him back to his spiritual path.
“My journey back to Islam is a testimony of divine mercy. I strayed, but Allah guided me back through simple, sincere people who lived the faith,” he said.
