Professor Adetunbi Ogunleye, a scholar of African Traditional Religion and Cultural Studies at Adekunle Ajasin University, has raised concerns over the growing decline of moral values and family structures in Nigeria, linking it to the rising influence of Western practices.
Speaking during the university’s 49th Inaugural Lecture titled “Resting in Peace? The Dilemma of the Living Dead,” he said the adoption of foreign lifestyles has weakened cultural roots and contributed to the disintegration of homes and communities.
According to him, the increasing acceptance of practices such as cohabitation and same-sex relationships has disrupted the traditional idea of marriage as a sacred bond that upholds morality and continuity. He emphasised that the Yoruba worldview sees sexuality not merely as personal freedom but as a spiritual and communal act that binds families and sustains society.
Professor Ogunleye explained that the harmonious union between a man and a woman remains central to social balance and moral order. He warned that neglecting these cultural principles has led to a moral crisis reflected in rising cases of indecent dressing, promiscuity, and a general loss of respect for ethical values.
He described the situation as a direct consequence of cultural neglect, stressing that traditional practices once guided behaviour, instilled discipline, and fostered community unity. Ogunleye noted that many aspects of Yoruba culture, including marriage, naming, and burial ceremonies, have lost their meaning due to Western education and foreign religions that have altered their moral purpose.
He lamented that parents now give names to their children without understanding their spiritual or historical significance, resulting in a weakening of identity and moral connection. He also warned that improper burial practices have disrupted the link between the living and their ancestors, who were once believed to protect communities and uphold righteousness.
Professor Ogunleye concluded that the unchecked influence of modernisation, foreign religions, and Western civilisation has eroded the cultural foundations that once held society together. He urged Nigerians to return to their indigenous values, restore cultural pride, and rebuild moral discipline as a path toward true social renewal.
