Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, will on Tuesday, October 7, 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 take place 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”, is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.
Professor Ogunleye began his academic journey with a B.A. in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1995, followed by an M.A. in Religious Studies from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 2004. He obtained his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2009.
He joined AAUA in 2003 as a Graduate Assistant and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2021. Over the years, he has served the University in various academic and administrative capacities, 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 contributed as a member of several key committees such as the Faculty of Arts Research Grant Committee, Faculty Office Allocation Committee, and the SDC on Sandwich Programme.
A prolific scholar, Professor Ogunleye has authored or co-authored seven books and published 32 journal articles. He is also an external examiner at Ekiti State University and has presented papers at over 15 local and international conferences in countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa.
His contributions have earned him several honours, among them: 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 Top Downloaded Articles (2017 and 2018)
He has equally benefitted from major sponsorships such as the TETFund Conference Sponsorship Award (2016), the University Conference Sponsorship Award (2015), and the TOFAC 2025 Conference Fellowship Award.
Professor Ogunleye is also a committed member of several 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 shed light on African cultural practices and interrogate their continuing relevance and implications in contemporary society.
