Says, ‘I am not chasing clout; it’s out of personal conviction’
Renowned food blogger, Tolani Tayo-Osikoya, popularly known as Chef T., surprised her fans with the announcement of her conversion to Islam during one of her Iftar series in the 2026 Ramadan, epitomising the message of Surah Al-Baqarah (Qur’an 2:272), which says: “It is not for you to guide them, but Allah guides whom He wills…”
While many welcomed her voluntary decision and praised her courage in openly sharing her faith nine years after embracing Islam, some Christians reacted with intolerance, posting toxic comments that led Chef T. to disable the comment section on her Facebook post.
Anticipating such reactions, she addressed the sensitivity of her announcement in the video, explaining that she had avoided online conversations about her faith due to the controversy surrounding religious practice in Nigeria.
She said: “I honestly didn’t want to make this video because of the sensitivity and how I try to avoid any form of controversy online, but my spirit has not rested. Even when I told my husband, he said, ‘I thought you didn’t want to do this online.’” WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Speaking further, Chef T. explained that her conversion to Islam was a personal decision following her marriage to a Muslim. In the video, she is seen preparing Iftar meals for distribution, a practice observed as both an act of worship and a gesture of love during the holy month of Ramadan.
She clarified that her decision was entirely voluntary, emphasising that she had received the full support of her parents, who blessed her marriage.
“So, prepare my Iftar with me while I share my journey of transitioning into Islam over the past nine years. As many of you know, I was born into a Christian home but married to a Muslim. The topic of transitioning into a different religion is very sensitive, and I try to avoid it as much as possible online. But I’ve reached a point in my religious life where I know what I want, and I will do what I want. I wasn’t forced into Islam at all.”
Chef T. said her transition to Islam was deeply influenced by the welcoming approach of her in-laws, noting that, prior to her wedding, they provided her with several weeks of lectures intended to explain the tenets of Islam.
She also credited her father’s reaction as a turning point, explaining that his support when she first shared her plan to marry a Muslim gave her the confidence to embrace her new spiritual path.
Chef T. said: “In fact, I remember when I was about to get married to my husband. One thing my in-laws did that really blew my mind was this: I had a few weeks of lectures with them days before my marriage. They wanted me to see Islam in a different light, never forcing me, just wanting to explain what Islam is. I just knew this was what I wanted.
“You see, the best support you can receive is the support of your parents. I remember telling my parents I was getting married to a Muslim while I was dating a Muslim. You know what my dad said? ‘You have my full support,’ and that brought confidence to my journey into Islam. And over the course of nine years, I’m still journeying into Islam for myself, by myself.
“Although not without the help of my Muslim family, one thing I’ve realised is that you cannot decide for yourself if you don’t seek knowledge yourself. Even the Holy Prophet (PBUH) received the Qur’an over the course of 25 years, so who am I?”
Chef T. revealed that her transition to Islam has spanned nine years, adding that this year marks a turning point in her life, as she has dedicated herself to a deeper understanding of the Qur’an.
While acknowledging her ongoing efforts to fully practise the five pillars of Islam and her aspiration to perform Hajj, she asserted that “true religion” lies in one’s treatment of others, urging her audience to look inward and prioritise the pursuit of “heaven” through kindness, virtues, and good character over religious labels.
“I have experienced Islam in different ways and in different countries, and I have discovered the beauty of Islam. I’m proud to say this is the first Ramadan in nine years where I will pick up my Qur’an and read to understand. Guys, Alhamdulillah.
“I’m enjoying Islam to the fullest, and I didn’t want this Ramadan to pass me by without expressing my mind about Islam. This is my personal experience. One thing I would like to improve upon as a revert is practising the five pillars of Islam. It’s been nine years, and I pray, but it’s still not complete. I would also like to perform Hajj, Insha Allah.”
Speaking further, Tayo-Osikoya said: “I would just like to mention one more time that, yes, it’s great to practise a religion and all, but what’s important is how you treat your fellow human beings, how you look at your neighbours and how you are to the people around you. That is the true religion. Though we have a guide, what is within you is what will lead you to heaven. So search within your heart: are you chasing religion, or actually chasing heaven through religion and virtues, which is the ultimate goal?”
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