Alaafin seeks stronger role for theological education in peacebuilding

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for greater emphasis on theological education as a tool for promoting peace, dialogue and effective responses to societal challenges.

The monarch also urged theological institutions to integrate their academic programmes with peacebuilding initiatives, stressing that they should go beyond training religious leaders to playing active roles in reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Oba Owoade made the call on Wednesday when he received the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend Dr David Olusola Idowu, who led members of the convention’s executive on a courtesy visit to the Alaafin’s palace.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin commended the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its contributions to national development, particularly its renewed commitment to dialogue, leadership development and efforts to bridge divisions among communities of faith.

He specifically praised the NBC for supporting national stability through investments in educational and healthcare infrastructure, the promotion of peaceful interfaith relations, poverty-alleviation programmes and vocational training initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised communities across the country.

Similarly, the monarch expressed satisfaction with the convention’s approach to conflict resolution, especially its engagement of local churches and promotion of dialogue in efforts to transform conflicts in northern Nigeria.

According to him, Nigerian Baptist Convention theological seminaries are important institutions in the broader response to religious conflicts. He noted that sustained interfaith dialogue could foster trust, solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance among people of different religious backgrounds.

Earlier, Rev. Dr Idowu said the delegation visited the palace to pay homage to the Alaafin, seek his prayers and inform him of his emergence as the new president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, alongside other executives. He also sought greater cooperation between the convention and the traditional institution and invited the monarch to his induction programme scheduled for next month. Rev. Dr Idowu later prayed for the Alaafin, his family and the palace workforce, expressing confidence in continued cooperation.