An Ogun State monarch, the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Abeokuta, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, has identified a shift in the fear of God, as well as a lack of strong religious teachings across schools, as one of the major factors fuelling moral decadence and various vices in society, particularly among youths.
The royal father said it is sad to see young people getting involved in questionable activities due to a lack of fear of God.
Oba Tejuoso disclosed that the influence of both Biblical and Quranic teachings in the formative years of a child cannot be overemphasised, urging government to ensure that religious teachings are prioritised across primary and secondary schools.
He also said he would be organising a 37-hour marathon praise session to return all glory to God as he celebrates 37 years on the throne.
Oba Tejuoso disclosed this on Friday during a media interaction held at his residence inside Ibara Abeokuta GRA to mark his 37th coronation anniversary.
He recalled that in the 1970s and early 1980s, strong religious studies laced with character education were taught in schools, a practice he said instilled the fear of God and improved moral conduct among young people.
The royal father regretted that the suspension of these teachings in later years has negatively affected moral upbringing, leading to increased misconduct and social vices among youths today.
Oba Tejuoso said, “Recently some group of people came to visit me and said that there is need to hold a summit to find a way out of the unruly behavior of students of nowadays, that most of them are beating their teachers and getting involved all manner of unpleasant and strange behaviors that were in time past not associated with people of their age.
“I however said that one of the contributory factors to this problem is the lack of strong Biblical and Quranic teachings, such as we used to have in the past across our schools. There was a time the government put a stop to these teachings and once there is no fear of God, people can do anything.
“For instance, the Bible and the Qur’an talk about teaching your child the way of the Lord so they can give you peace of mind. The Bible also says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. A child trained in the way of God from early formative years will not go astray or become a nuisance in society.”
Oba Tejuoso said that no amount of summit could address the growing decline in values unless people are reoriented to embrace the fear of God, which he described as the foundation of wisdom.
He explained that “That is why I am using the opportunity of my 37 years coronation anniversary to also organise a 37-hour marathon praise, which begins by 8am on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, till 9pm on Sunday, May 17.
“The essence of this gathering is to praise God for His faithfulness and loving kindness in the last 37 years and to also bring people closer to God.”
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 a 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, and interdenominational Christian service, among others.
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