The Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Abeokuta, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, has blamed the growing wave of moral decadence and youth-related vices in Nigeria on the decline of religious teachings in schools and the gradual loss of the fear of God among young people.
The monarch said the removal of strong Biblical and Quranic teachings from the nation’s educational system contributed significantly to the rising cases of indiscipline, violence and misconduct now being witnessed among youths.
Oba Tejuoso spoke on Friday during a media interaction at his residence in Ibara Government Reservation Area, Abeokuta, ahead of activities marking his 37th coronation anniversary.
According to the traditional ruler, Nigeria’s older generation benefited from an era where moral instruction and religious studies formed a major part of the school curriculum, helping to shape character and discipline among children.
He lamented that many youths now engage in acts that were previously considered unacceptable because they no longer possess the moral restraint that comes from spiritual upbringing.
“Recently some people visited me and said there was a need to organise a summit to address the unruly behaviour among students nowadays, including cases where students attack teachers and engage in strange conduct,” the monarch said.
“I told them one of the contributory factors is the absence of strong Biblical and Quranic teachings we used to have in schools. Once there is no fear of God, people can do anything.”
The monarch stressed that no conference or summit would adequately address the nation’s moral challenges without a deliberate effort to restore value-based upbringing rooted in religious teachings.
Oba Tejuoso also urged government authorities and education stakeholders to prioritise moral and religious instruction across primary and secondary schools, arguing that proper spiritual guidance remains essential in shaping responsible citizens.
The royal father announced that part of activities lined up for his 37th anniversary on the throne would include a 37-hour marathon praise programme aimed at appreciating God for decades of leadership and service.
The praise session, according to him, is scheduled to begin on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta and continue until Sunday evening.
Speaking on Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections, the monarch called on political parties and electoral stakeholders to allow the wishes of voters prevail during elections.
He warned against vote manipulation, imposition of candidates and other electoral malpractices capable of undermining democratic stability.
“Peaceful and credible elections are important for the growth of democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking, the Balogun of Oke-Ona Egba, Chief Morufu Ajisegiri, described Oba Tejuoso’s reign as one marked by scholarship, cultural preservation and community development.
Ajisegiri said the monarch, through the Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Trust Foundation established in 1989, had supported indigent students with scholarships irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.
He added that the foundation had equally provided assistance for widows, elderly citizens and vulnerable residents through empowerment schemes and interest-free loans.
The week-long anniversary programme will also feature visits to motherless babies’ homes, leprosy colonies, township homage activities and interdenominational religious services.
Oba Tejuoso, a member of the prominent Tejuoso royal family in Ogun State, ascended the throne in 1989 and remains one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in the state.
