Political Science Department Hosts Maiden Ife Annual Lecture, Honours Pa Josiah Akintunde's Legacy
By Ademola Eriife-Oluwasimi Boluwatife
Edited by: Oluwatobi Oluwabusuyi
June 30, 2026 | 5 min read
The Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), on Monday, June 29, 2026, hosted the maiden Ife Political Science Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony at the African Centre of Excellence (ACE), marking the 41st anniversary of the late Pa Josiah Olanipekun Akintunde. The event, themed "The Crisis of Governance and the Burden of Leadership: Reimagining the Role of Political Scientists in Contemporary Nigeria," brought together academics, traditional rulers, public officials, alumni and students to examine Nigeria's governance challenges and honour individuals who have contributed to the growth of the department.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Professor Alade Fawole, focused on the country's governance crisis, the burden of leadership and the role of political scientists in shaping public policy and national development.
Speaking on "Understanding Nigeria's Governance Crisis," Professor Fawole examined the country's prolonged security challenges, tracing the emergence of the Boko Haram insurgency from the Maiduguri crisis to its spread across several local government areas and neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republic.
He also examined the evolution of kidnapping for ransom, particularly the abduction of expatriate oil workers, noting how the crime later developed into widespread banditry across different parts of the country. According to him, the inability of the Nigerian state and its security institutions to respond effectively to these threats has significantly deepened the country's governance challenges.
Discussing the burden of leadership in Nigeria, Professor Fawole illustrated his arguments with visual presentations and references to statements by notable political figures, including Nasir El-Rufai, the Sultan of Sokoto and Adamu Garba.
Turning to the role of political scientists, he argued that many younger scholars have become more inclined towards public commentary than rigorous academic engagement capable of influencing governance and public policy.
"The younger generation of political scientists tend to gravitate towards commentaries rather than offering critical and rigorous analysis of national issues," Professor Fawole said.
He urged political scientists to reclaim their place as active contributors to national development, drawing inspiration from Professor Eme Awa's work, The Political Scientist in Governance.
The programme began with the rendition of the National Anthem and the OAU Anthem before the Master of Ceremonies, Alex Ajibola, introduced the distinguished guests. Among those in attendance were the Orangun of Oke-Ila, HRM (Dr.) Ademola Abolarin; the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, represented by Professor Akinyemi; the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Temidayo Akinbobola; Chief Ayodele Akintunde; Professor Alade Fawole; and Omoba Sikiru Adetona.
Delivering the welcome address, the Head of the Department of Political Science, Professor O. S. Afolabi, thanked the dignitaries, staff, students, alumni and guests for attending the historic event. He described the annual lecture as a platform established to preserve the legacy of the late Pa Josiah Akintunde while promoting intellectual engagement and scholarship within and beyond the department.
Professor Temidayo Akinbobola, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, formally declared the event open and welcomed participants to the maiden edition of the annual lecture. He also led a minute of silence in honour of the late Pa Josiah Akintunde.
This was followed by the reading of Pa Akintunde's citation by Professor Agunyai, after which members of the Department of Music entertained the audience with a musical performance.
Professor Fawole's citation was read by Professor Kolawole Aliyu before he delivered the keynote lecture.
Following the lecture, a panel session featuring distinguished guests reflected on the enduring contributions of the late Pa Josiah Akintunde to the growth of the Department of Political Science and Nigerian academia while expanding on issues raised during the keynote address.
The event also featured the unveiling of the proposed Josiah and Florence Akintunde Legislative Chamber, a project aimed at strengthening legislative education and practical learning within the department.
Awards were presented by the Head of Department alongside Professor Akinyemi. Recipients included Chief Ayodele Akintunde and HRM Oba Ademola Abolarin in recognition of their contributions and support for the department.
Further awards were presented to Dr. Saheed Ogundare, Prince Oladotun Ajilesoro, Hon. Kinsley Awosiyan, Abdullahi Olakanmi Olagoke, Salaam Najeem Folasayo, Dr. Temitayo Odeyemi and Boluwatife Ajibola for their outstanding contributions to the department and society.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the Head of the Department, Professor O. S. Afolabi, who expressed appreciation to the Akintunde family, invited guests, alumni, staff, students and all attendees for making the maiden Ife Political Science Annual Lecture a success.
