Nigerian chef and food entrepreneur, Olaniyi Tumininu, popularly known as ChefT, has spoken openly about her conversion to Islam, describing it as a deeply personal decision that was not influenced by public attention or family pressure .
The founder of Homeoftastymeals and a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos made this known during an interview on The Morayo Show, where she shared details of her nine-year spiritual journey .
ChefT revealed that she converted to Islam 10 years ago but only began fully practising the religion nine years ago, emphasizing that her decision was not made for public recognition .
“I didn’t do it for clout, it was a personal decision I took 9 years ago,” she stated .
She added that although she does not make a public show of her faith, she has always dropped subtle hints, especially during Ramadan.
“I give people hint, every Ramadan I am always doing Iftar series, you will always find me talking about Islam,” she said .
ChefT also dismissed claims that her husband’s family influenced her decision, saying the journey was entirely hers.
“It was never a religion where if you want to marry our son, this is what you will practice, we are Muslims, we want you to understand the religion and then make a decision for yourself,” she explained .
“It was a decision I embarked on by myself, for myself,” she added .
She explained that her decision came after personal study and reflection. “I picked up the Quran by myself, I started to read it by myself and I knew it was time to publicly share it,” she said .
In a separate video posted on her official Instagram page, Diary of a Kitchen Lover, ChefT elaborated on her journey, noting that she received the full support of her parents, who blessed her marriage to a Muslim man .
“You see, the best support you can receive is the support of your parents. I remember telling my parents I was marrying 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,” she shared .
She also credited her in-laws for their welcoming approach, noting that prior to her wedding, they provided her with several weeks of lectures intended to explain the tenets of Islam without forcing her .
ChefT revealed that her transition to Islam has spanned nine years, announcing that this year marks a turning point as she has dedicated herself to a deeper understanding of the Quran.
“I have experienced Islam in different ways and in different countries and 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 Quran and read to understand. Guys, Alhamdulillah,” she said .
She acknowledged her ongoing efforts to fully practise the five pillars of Islam and expressed her aspiration to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, Insha Allah .
Speaking further, Chef T emphasized that “true religion” lies in how one treats others, urging her audience to prioritize kindness and character over religious labels.
“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,” she said .
“Even 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, which is the ultimate race?” she added .
ChefT, whose food brand has grown into a recognised business, recently reflected on her spiritual growth in a post on Instagram, writing, “I am still a novice but I am definitely not where I started from. Allhamdulillahi” .
