“I Did Not Know Tinubu Was a Prayer Warrior” – Gbajabiamila’s Remark Attracts Attention During Saudi Visit
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia has attracted further attention following a reported remark by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who said he did not know the President was a prayer warrior.
The remark, reportedly made during the President’s engagement with members of his delegation in Makkah, has added another talking point to conversations surrounding Tinubu’s four-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, and returned after completing the religious exercise.
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During the visit, the President and members of his delegation were granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, where they offered prayers.
According to a statement released by the Presidency on November 2, Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred structure.
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A President’s spiritual side
Tinubu’s public reflections during the pilgrimage focused on faith, divine guidance and the responsibilities of political leadership.
He recalled performing a similar Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, saying he had promised to return to express gratitude to Allah.
The President also invoked Qur’an 3:26, emphasising that political power ultimately belongs to God and must be exercised responsibly.
His Chief of Staff’s reported observation about the President being a prayer warrior has therefore attracted attention, particularly given the prominence of the pilgrimage and the prayers offered during the visit.
Beyond the prayers
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While the spiritual dimension of the journey has dominated public discussions, the visit has also generated political conversations.
Tinubu’s administration continues to face questions over the economy, insecurity, poverty and the cost of living.
Consequently, Nigerians will be watching to see how the President’s renewed commitment to seeking divine wisdom translates into practical decisions and improvements in governance.
For now, the Saudi visit has placed the President’s religious devotion and personal reflections firmly in the public conversation.
