By Olanrewaju Sulaimon
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) testimony about Najashi, the Christian King of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea), remains the crowning glory of his eventful reign.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH), who was experiencing severe persecution from the ruling Quraysh tribe in Mecca, advised his companions to migrate to Abyssinia in order to preserve their faith. He said:
“If you were to go to Abyssinia, it would be better for you, for in it is a king under whom no one is wronged, and it is a land of truth.”
Consequently, in 613 CE, a group of Muslims, including Uthman ibn Affan and Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them), embarked on the first Hijrah, undertaking a long and arduous journey across deserts and seas to Abyssinia.
King Najashi lived up to his reputation. He welcomed and protected the Muslims who sought refuge in his kingdom. Yet, despite the hospitality shown by the King and his people, the persecuting Meccans pursued the Muslims to Abyssinia, spreading falsehoods about them and attempting to bribe Najashi into handing them over.
Rather than yielding to pressure, Najashi invited the Muslims to his palace and gave them the opportunity to present their side of the story. After listening to them, he declared:
“I will never hand over the Muslims to you. They are safe here in my land.”
As a result, the Muslims remained in Abyssinia for a considerable period, enjoying peace and security.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was deeply impressed by King Najashi’s exemplary leadership. Although they never met physically and belonged to different faiths, their relationship remained cordial and respectful.
The Prophet demonstrated his appreciation when an Abyssinian delegation visited Medina. He personally served them food with his own hands. Furthermore, when Najashi passed away in Abyssinia in 630 CE, the Prophet gathered his companions and performed Salat al-Gha’ib (the funeral prayer in absentia). This remains the only recorded instance in which the Prophet performed an absentia funeral prayer for a deceased individual.
The Prophet’s admiration for Najashi extended beyond his support for Islam. It was rooted in the King’s commitment to justice, fairness, and ethical leadership. Najashi had effectively migrated—from the exploitative and oppressive style of governance common in his era—to a model founded on equity and compassion.
Taking a cue from this prophetic example, Professor Kamil Oloso, former Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, stated in a 2025 interview with this writer:
“I will be answerable to God if I fail to speak about the goodness of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to Muslims in the state.”
Professor Oloso, who is also the Wakeel Muslimeen of Oyo State, explained that many of the injustices previously experienced by Muslims in the state had been corrected under Governor Makinde’s administration.
According to him:
“We were worried that being a Christian, he might want to marginalise the Muslim community in the state. But when we met with him, he assured us that he would be fair to all. And he has been fair to the Muslim community in the state.”
To support his position, Oloso cited the appointment of Muslims to key government positions, the approval of the Hijrah holiday, and the inclusion of many Muslims in state recruitment exercises.
He further attributed the religious harmony currently enjoyed in Oyo State to Governor Makinde’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the Amirul Mu’minin and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has also acknowledged Governor Makinde’s support for Islam.
During his visit to Ibadan in 2023 to inaugurate the Adogba Mosque—which Governor Makinde rebuilt at his personal expense after the original mosque was demolished to make way for the Iwo Road Bus Terminal—the Sultan commended the governor’s integrity and dedication.
He said:
“If you look at how the mosque was in the past and how it is now, there is nothing you can say but thank God for the life of Seyi Makinde for his thoughts and the way he implemented those thoughts.
Many people promise to do something, but when it comes to implementation, they have problems fulfilling their promises.”
The Sultan further remarked:
“I went round the whole area, and I can assure you that there is no building as beautiful as this mosque. No matter where you come from, you will see the mosque.
The mosque is not only a place of worship; it is also a school. Now we have an Islamic school and a beautiful mosque. It is something that will encourage us to seek knowledge in this world and the hereafter.
This is a good history, and we hope to have it replicated in many places. We are grateful to the Governor.”
In the same vein, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, His Eminence Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, has consistently praised Governor Makinde for his support for Islam and its adherents.
According to him:
“Governor Makinde has been governing the state with the fear of God while remaining fair to the Muslim Ummah and adherents of other religions.
Makinde is a leader whose style of governance reflects vision, inclusiveness and commitment to the welfare of the people of Oyo State.”
Likewise, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, has repeatedly commended Governor Makinde for creating an enabling environment for Muslims to practise their faith.
The respected cleric cited the construction and renovation of mosques, support for the Agodi Eid Praying Ground, assistance during Ramadan and Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca, and the donation of buses to mosques and Muslim organisations.
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State Chapter, has also applauded Governor Makinde’s leadership style, describing him as a leader guided not by religious bigotry but by fairness and respect for religious diversity.
In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, NACOMYO praised the governor for providing leadership anchored on justice, inclusiveness, and religious harmony.
Anas (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said believers are Allah’s witnesses on earth. The implication is that the disposition of the faithful reflects the disposition of Allah.
Governor Makinde may not profess Islam, but his actions demonstrate respect for the religion and its adherents. He may not observe the five daily prayers, but he facilitates the worship of Muslims by supporting mosque construction and ensuring a conducive environment for religious practice. He may not have performed Hajj himself, but he has sponsored hundreds of pilgrims to the Holy Land. He may not fast during Ramadan, but he supports and celebrates with thousands of fasting Muslims.
Thus, though not a Muslim by faith, Governor Makinde, like King Najashi, is a leader “under whom no one is wronged”—a governor who has helped transform Oyo State into “a land of truth.”
Furthermore, Governor Makinde can be regarded as a waliyy—a friend of Allah (SWT)—who occupies a special place in His mercy. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Jannah.”
And who would be worthy of a house in Jannah if not a friend of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH)?
Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju is the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State.
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