By: Faith Ajewole
The department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan held its second distinguished alumni lecture, today, 28th of May, 2025 at Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
The alumni lecture, themed, “Religion and the Murky Water of Nigerian Politics” was given by the Right Reverend Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite.
The lecture started at noon with the recognition of guests, some of which included the chief host of the event, Professor K. O Adewale, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor P. O Olapegba.
Other notable guests included Professor S. O Oyetade, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Right Reverend Stephen Tunde Victor Adegboye, the guest speaker for the day.
Following that was the opening prayer and recitation of the National and School anthem, afterwards, the Welcome Address was given by the Head of Department of Religious Studies, Professor O. O Familusi.
He welcomed the guests and everyone present, stating how the guest speaker had been of immense support to the department and his speech was followed by another welcome address by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor S. O Oyetade who equally welcomed everyone.
The Chairman’s opening remarks was taken by the by Prof. P.O Olapegba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administrative.
He spoke about the importance of religion and politics.
In his words; “Religion in a way is a political entity.
Religious practitioners have come to recognize the roles they play in political, social sectors.
The question, what are the roles religion can play in responsible and progressive governance?
“He explained that the guest lecturer would do justice to these questions and he recommended that other departments and faculties should emulate the giant strides that the department of the Religious Studies has taken in organising an alumni lecture, which is a thing of pride.
The citation of the alumni lecturer followed, read by one of the professors and the Right Reverend Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite, came up to give his lecture.
He stated in his lecture that, truely people doubt the roles and interplay of religion and politics in the Nigerian context.
“Religion is an integral part of society. Thus, all aspects of society, such as marriage, homes, schools, medical institutions, and business corporations, among others, are influenced by religion.
“Religion and state are inseparable.There is politics in religion and there is religion in politics.
“No society can grow in the atmosphere of religious violence which, more often than not, has a political undertone”.
In closing, he explained the interaction between religion and politics in Nigeria and typified it as the two sides of a coin.
“The implications are both positive and negative. Politics is like an engine and religion is the oil that lubricates it.
“Therefore, religiously committed people are enjoined to positively participate in politics so as to ensure good governance, translating to development, as the era of branding politics as a dirty game is gone.”
The event gradually came to a close with the questions and contributions session.
Then the guest speaker was presented with an award by the Vice Chancellor and he was given a photo frame on behalf of the department.
After which the Chairman gave his closing remarks, the vote of thanks was said and closing prayer followed.
The alumni lecture finally came to a close with recitation of the National and the University of Ibadan anthem.
The event also had about twenty two other Bishops, including Most Reverend Barney Manger from Gambia, Officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Director of Emmanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Dr. Oyeleye and staffs of the college, and many professors in attendance.
