Experts, students, and public figures gathered at the AUD II Lecture Theatre of Obafemi Awolowo University for a Religious Summit organised by the National Association for Students of Religious Studies (NASSORS), where speakers examined the role of religion in national development, politics, and social transformation. The summit, themed “Beyond the Pulpit: Religion, Society and Transformation in a Changing World,” featured lectures by Professor J.K. Ayantayo and Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole.
Who were the speakers at the OAU Religious Summit?
Professor J.K. Ayantayo delivered a lecture titled “Religion as a Tool for National Development.” Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole spoke on “Religion and Politics in Nigeria: Between Sacred Conviction and Public Responsibility.” The Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Professor Abdul-Fatah Kola Makinde, gave the opening remarks.
What did Professor Ayantayo say about religion?
He described Religious Studies as the critical study of religion, distinguishing it from religious practice. Religion, he said, is a belief system that is cultural, experiential, and rooted in personal conviction rather than coercion. He outlined the “four Cs of religion”: Creed (fundamental belief system), Code (rules guiding the relationship between God and humanity), Cult (the associational nature of religion), and Communion (communication between God and humans through prayers, worship, and singing).
He stressed that no religion is superior to another – Christianity, Islam, and African Indigenous Religion all provide avenues for communication with the divine. He also emphasised that societal challenges are often linked to failures in training younger generations.
What did Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole say about religion and politics?
He said religion and politics remain inseparable in understanding Nigeria’s social and governance structures. He told the students: “You cannot understand politics without understanding religion, and you cannot honestly study religion without confronting politics.”
He traced Nigeria’s origins to the 1914 amalgamation, describing the country as a colonial creation that brought together diverse ethnic and religious communities. He noted that various ethnic groups had established structures of political authority and spiritual organisation before colonial rule.
Where and when did this summit take place?
The summit was held at the AUD II Lecture Theatre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The news was published on June 11, 2026.
Why is this summit significant?
Because it brought together academics, students, and public figures to examine the intersection of religion, politics, and national development. In a country where religion is often weaponised for political gain, this summit provided a platform for critical engagement.
How did the audience respond?
Students asked questions during the interactive session. The event also featured a scholarship award to a student, Hassan Ganiyat Olamide, as Professor Ayantayo pledged to support her education until the completion of her university studies.
5 key takeaways from the OAU Religious Summit.
1. Religion is a powerful social force – but it must be properly harnessed. Professor Ayantayo argued that religion can contribute to social cohesion, moral formation, education, healthcare, conflict resolution, and economic transformation. But those contributions require informed interpretation and responsible application.
2. No religion is superior to another – a message of tolerance. Ayantayo explicitly stated that Christianity, Islam, and African Indigenous Religion all provide avenues for divine communication. That is a powerful message in a country where religious rivalry often fuels conflict.
3. Religion and politics cannot be separated. Oyewole’s argument – that you cannot understand politics without understanding religion – is a challenge to those who believe religion should be private. In Nigeria, religion is public, political, and powerful.
4. Nigeria’s diversity is a colonial legacy. Oyewole traced the country’s religious and ethnic diversity to the 1914 amalgamation. Understanding that history is essential for understanding contemporary conflicts.
5. Scholars of Religious Studies have a role in nation-building. Ayantayo argued that departments of Religious Studies should be seen as strategic partners in nation-building – not peripheral entities. Their scholars can contribute to policy discourse and peaceful coexistence.
How this affects students and society.
i. Students of Religious Studies are encouraged to engage critically with faith and society. The summit was a call to action – not just to study religion, but to understand its role in governance and development.
ii. The scholarship award is a practical demonstration of the values discussed. Professor Ayantayo did not just lecture – he invested in a student’s future. That is a model of mentorship.
iii. The summit promotes interfaith understanding. By bringing together scholars of different religious traditions, the summit promoted dialogue and mutual respect.
iv. The discussion on religion and politics is timely. Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 elections. Religion will play a role. Understanding that role is essential for voters and candidates alike.
v. The university is a space for critical engagement. OAU provided a platform for this conversation. That is the role of a university – not just to teach, but to provoke thought.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To students of Religious Studies: engage with these ideas critically. Religion is not just about worship – it is about society, politics, and transformation.
2. To Professor Ayantayo and Rt. Hon. Oyewole: your lectures have challenged students. Now follow up. Engage with policy makers. Ensure that academic ideas influence governance.
3. To the National Association for Students of Religious Studies (NASSORS): organise more events like this. The conversation is not over. It is just beginning.
4. To the Nigerian public: recognise the role of religion in politics. Do not pretend it is irrelevant. Understand it – and use that understanding to hold leaders accountable.
5. To the government: engage with scholars of Religious Studies. They can help you navigate the complex religious landscape. Their insights are valuable.
A question to make you reflect.
If religion and politics are inseparable in Nigeria – as Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole argued – why do many Nigerians pretend otherwise?
The answer is that religion is often seen as private – but in Nigeria, it is public. Pretending otherwise is a form of avoidance. The summit challenged that avoidance. It called for honest engagement with the role of religion in politics. That is uncomfortable – but necessary.
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Akahi News gathered that experts at OAU have examined the role of religion in national development and politics. Professor Ayantayo argued that religion is a powerful force that can contribute to social cohesion and transformation. Rt. Hon. Oyewole declared that religion and politics are inseparable. Students engaged with the ideas. A scholarship was awarded. The conversation is now open.