Ogun monarch blames moral decline on removal of religious studies

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, has blamed the growing rate of immorality and social vices in the country on the removal of religious studies from Nigeria’s basic school curriculum.

The monarch said the younger generation is no longer adequately equipped with moral and spiritual values needed to confront present-day societal challenges.

Oba Tejuoso stated this during a press conference held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to herald activities marking his 37th coronation anniversary.

Reflecting on the education system of the 1970s and 1980s, the traditional ruler recalled that religious studies formed an integral part of school curricula and helped instill discipline, morality and the fear of God among students.

According to him, the discontinuation of Qur’anic and Biblical studies in schools has negatively affected the moral upbringing of many children.

“You complain about moral decadence in society; this is because the government abolished religious studies in school curriculum. Both Qur’anic and Biblical studies helped shape many of the past generation,” he said.

Quoting from both the Bible and the Qur’an, Oba Tejuoso stressed the importance of early moral and spiritual guidance for children.

“Teach your child the way of the Lord, so they can give you peace of mind. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Whoever trains a child in the way of God from an early stage will not go astray or become a nuisance in society,” the monarch added.

Speaking on the nation’s political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oba Tejuoso urged political parties to allow the will of the people to prevail at the polls.

He warned against imposition, vote manipulation and other forms of electoral malpractice, noting that peaceful and credible elections are essential for the stability and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

Earlier, the Balogun of Oke-Ona Egba, Chief Morufu Ajisegiri, described the monarch’s 37th coronation anniversary as a celebration of purposeful leadership, enduring service and the strong bond between the throne and the people.

Ajisegiri highlighted Oba Tejuoso’s contributions to human capital development, cultural preservation and institutional strengthening across the ten townships of Oke-Ona Egba.

He noted that through the Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Trust Foundation, established in 1989, the monarch has expanded scholarship opportunities for indigent students in tertiary institutions across the country.

“The scholarship scheme is open to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion,” Ajisegiri said.

He added that the foundation had also provided medical support for vulnerable persons, empowerment programmes for widows and the elderly, as well as interest-free loans aimed at alleviating poverty.

According to him, Oba Tejuoso’s reign has been marked by wisdom, scholarship and selfless service, adding that the monarch has successfully combined traditional leadership with intellectual excellence and modern governance.

Outlining activities lined up for the anniversary celebration, Ajisegiri said the events would commence with a 37-hour marathon praise and worship session on Saturday, followed by continuation of the programme on Sunday and the final of the Ayo game competition on Monday.

He disclosed that Tuesday would feature visits to motherless babies’ homes and leprosy colonies, while Wednesday’s activities would include early morning prayers, township homage, interdenominational Christian service, Muslim prayers, traditional worship, presentation of prizes to winners of the Ayo competition, installation of new chiefs and other ceremonies.

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