A well-known traditionalist in Kwara State, Abebi Ashabi Efunsetan Yakubu, has expressed her desire to die as a Muslim after converting to Islam.
This follows a viral video in which she renounced her previous Isese religion and embraced Islam, as reported by Daily Trust.
Formerly known as Iya Osun, she now prefers to be addressed as Iya Oni Qur’an. She recently expressed her gratitude during a thank-you visit to Muslim scholars in Ilọrin for their role in her conversion.
According to her, “I want to die a Muslim after reverting to Islam. I have taken some steps in the past, which I now regret. I am grateful that Almighty Allah preserved me spending over 10 years out of Islam. But thank Almighty God that I am back. I know there will be challenges, but with God, we will overcome it.
“Nobody pressured or threatened me to take this step and I am not doing this for fame or wealth. It was Allah that intervened and I am happy that it all ended this way. For me, it’s bye bye to Isese, by the grace of God,” she added.
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Her eldest son, Abdulhakeem, expressed his joy at her conversion, describing it as the happiest day in their lives as her five children. He revealed that they had been praying for her return to Islam for more than a decade, and her conversion had a positive impact on his health.
“All I can say is alhamdulillahi”, AbdulHakeem said.
During her visit, Sheikh Yusuf Murtadoh Pakata, the Secretary of the Council of Muslim Organisations (CMO), encouraged her to remain steadfast and resolute in her newfound faith, despite any challenges that may arise.
“Your reversion does not mean there will not be challenges. Islam is not a religion that glorifies prosperity even though we are encouraged to strive”, he noted.
Abebi Ashabi Efunsetan Yakubu became widely known after alleging that she assisted the first wife of a prominent Muslim cleric in Ilọrin, Alfa Okutagidi, in preparing spiritual sacrifices before and after the birth of one of her children.
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This allegation resulted in a defamation lawsuit against her, leading to her brief remand in a correctional facility.
The case is set for further proceedings on September 26, 2023.