Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, will on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, host its 49th Inaugural Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Adetunbi Richard Ogunleye of the Department of Religion and African Culture.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Adebisi Daramola, the lecture will hold at the University’s Multipurpose Hall, with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, presiding as Chairman.
The lecture, titled “Resting in Peace? The Dilemma of the Living-Dead”, will commence at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.
Professor Ogunleye began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1995, and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 2004. He later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2009.
He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2003 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Religion and African Culture, rising through the ranks to the position of Professor in 2021.
Over the years, Professor Ogunleye has held several academic and administrative positions at AAUA, including two terms as Head of Department, Sub-Dean of Arts, Chairman of the Faculty Time-Table Committee, and Representative of the Postgraduate School at oral examinations. He has also served on key committees such as the Faculty of Arts Research Grant Committee, Faculty Office Allocation Committee, and the SDC on the Sandwich Programme, among others.
A prolific scholar, Professor Ogunleye has authored and co-authored seven books and published 32 journal articles. He also serves as an external examiner at Ekiti State University and has presented papers at more than 15 local and international conferences in countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa.
In recognition of his scholarly achievements, Professor Ogunleye has received several awards and honours. These include the Meritorious Award for Best Lecturer of the Year (2022/2023); NARACS Award of Excellence as Head of Department (2016); Award of Excellence as Staff Adviser (2017); and Certificates of Achievement for authoring Top Downloaded Articles (2017 and 2018). He has equally benefitted from sponsorships such as the TETFund Conference Sponsorship Award (2016), the University Conference Sponsorship Award (2015), and the TOFAC 2025 Conference Fellowship Award.
He is an active member of professional associations including the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions and Education (NASRED), the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), and the National Association for the Promotion of Studies in Arts and Social Sciences (NAPSASS).
The forthcoming lecture is expected to provide profound insights into African cultural practices, examining their relevance and implications in contemporary society.
