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Dr. Olaitan Oyedele Olaoba

Adjunct Lecturer | Faculty member

Faculty of Arts · Department of Religious Studies

Specialization Church History and Missiology

Office: Department of Religious Studies, faculty of Arts, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti

Phone: 09049855741

Email: olaitan.olaoba@fuoye.edu.ng

Biography

Dr. Olaitan Oyedele Olaoba is a Nigerian scholar, historian, theologian, and university lecturer whose academic work focuses on Church History, Missiology, Historical Theology, and Religious Studies. He is widely recognised for his contributions to the study of African Christianity, Anglican Church history, Pentecostalism, religion and society, migration, theological education, gender studies, and the role of faith in addressing contemporary social challenges.
Dr. Olaoba earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Ibadan, where he specialised in Church History. Over the years, he has established himself as a prolific researcher with interests spanning African Christian history, environmental stewardship, leadership development, peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, and the interaction between religion and national development. His scholarly publications explore how Christianity has shaped social transformation in Nigeria and the wider African context.
Professionally, Dr. Olaoba serves as a Senior Lecturer at Ajayi Crowther University, where he teaches courses in Church History, Historical Theology, and related areas of Religious Studies, contributing to teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision. He also serves as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Federal University Oye-Ekiti,
Dr. Olaoba has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. His work is characterised by a historical approach that connects Christian traditions with contemporary societal issues, especially within the Nigerian context. His publications have examined the evolution of Anglicanism in Yorubaland, the historical development of church institutions, and the contribution of Christianity to national development and social justice.
Overall, Dr. Olaitan Oyedele Olaoba is regarded as an emerging voice in Nigerian church historiography whose scholarship bridges historical inquiry with contemporary theological reflection, contributing significantly to discussions on Christianity, society, leadership, and sustainable development in Africa

Research Interests

Anglican missionary history in Southwestern Nigeria.
Pentecostalism and its socio-religious impact.
Religion and migration in Nigeria.
Women's contributions to church development.
Theology and environmental sustainability.
Religion, mental health, and social wellbeing.
Faith-based responses to poverty, governance, and peacebuilding.
Theological education and leadership development.

Qualifications

Selected Publications

  1. The Twenty-first Century Church in Nigerian Society: It’s Political, Social, and Economic Engagements”
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O. & Adetona, S. O.
    In A. O. Afolaranmi, O. O. Olaoba et al (Eds). Current Trends in Religious Studies in Nigeria (Volumes One). Seattle, USA: Amazon Web Services, Inc. pp. 82-107. (2026)
  2. Globalization and Modernity in Contemporary Nigerian Christianity: Negotiating Tradition, Identity, and Transnational Flows
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O. & Oluwatuyi, M. F.
    In A. O. Afolaranmi, O. O. Olaoba et al (Eds). Current Trends in Religious Studies in Nigeria (Volumes 1). Seattle, USA: Amazon Web Services, Inc. pp. 334-347. (2026)
  3. Historical Perspectives of Galatians 6:2: The Anglican Church’s Response to Suffering in Contemporary Nigerian Contexts
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Jos Journal of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, 7 (1), 185-198. (Jos, Nigeria). (2026)
  4. Religious Revival and Social Change: A Historical Study of the Pentecostal Movement in Nigeria.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Journal of Religious and Cultural Studies (RiSUJORACS), Rivers State University, 1 (1), 154-170. (Port Harcourt, Nigeria). (2026)
  5. Leadership Development in Theological Education in Nigeria: A Case Study of Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Akure.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    In S. O. Okanlawon & M. A. Adetunji (Eds) Christian and Theological Education in Nigeria: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions. Ibadan. Hope Publications. pp. 180-196. (2025)
  6. Religious Narratives and Digital Platforms: Constructing Peace in a Contemporary Virtual Church Era in Nigeria.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    In E. O. Malomo et al (Eds). The Religious and Digital Peace Builder: A Book of Readings in Honour of Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi, Ph.D. Seattle, USA: Amazon Web Services, Inc. pp. 109-116. (2025)
  7. Church and Community: Anglican Missionaries as Catalysts for Sustainable Development in Ekitiland; 1894-2024.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    In M. Popoola et al (Eds). Food Security and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. Oyo: Ajayi Crowther University Press. pp. 216 -230. (2025)
  8. Cultural Influences on Biblical Interpretation within African Hermeneutics
    Authors: Odei, M. A & Olaoba, O. O
    Journal of African Society for the Study of Sociology and Ethics of Religions (JASSOSER) 15(1), 67-79. (Ibadan, Nigeria). (2025)
  9. Negotiating Faith and Heritage: Anglicanism and Indigenous Values in Ekitiland, (1893-2024)
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Journal of Religious and Peace Studies (JOREPS), Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University. 7 (4), 60-78. (Ojo, Nigeria). (2025)
  10. Governance in the Church; An Historical Context.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Nigerian Journal of Church History and Missiological Studies (NJOCHAMS). 12 (1), 1-12. (Ibadan, Nigeria). (2025)
  11. Historical and Socio-Cultural Perspectives of the Emergence of Christianity in Ijebu Igbo.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O. & Ologundudu, E. O
    Concrescence: Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research, Faculty of Humanities, Imo State University, 2 (4), 1-11. (Owerri, Nigeria). (2025)
  12. Christianity, the Economy, and Church History in Contemporary Nigeria: A Critical Analysis.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Nigerian Journal of Christian Studies (NJCS). 8 (1), 291-311. (Ibadan, Nigeria). (2025)
  13. The Church in Pluralistic Nigerian Society: The Relevance of Religion Tolerance through Dialogue as a Veritable Tool for Peace.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Kwararafa Security Review, Centre for Kwararafa Studies, Kwararafa University. 3 (2), 159-169. (Wukari, Nigeria). (2025)
  14. Faith and Farming: A Historical Study of Anglican Missionaries and Food Security in Ekitiland (1894-2024).
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Issues in Language and Literary Studies, Department of English, Ajayi Crowther University. 11 (1), 255-269. (Oyo, Nigeria). (2025)
  15. Social Media as a Tool for Religious Expression in Nigeria
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O; Odei, M. A; Adeniji, J. O & Oladiran, E.O.
    Journal of Religious and Peace Studies (JOREPS), Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University. 7 (1), 107-117. (Ojo Lagos, Nigeria). (2025)
  16. The Holy Spirit in Act 2:1-12, 41-47; And its implications for the Church Today.”
    Authors: Odei, M. A; Olaoba, O. O; Rotkang, J. W & Jayeiola, A. A.
    Obitun Journal of the Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Ekiti State University. 3 (1), 98-102. (Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria). (2025)
  17. Peacebuilding and Christian Environmental Ethics in the Niger-Delta.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O. & Daniel, D. A
    Akwa Ibom State University Journal of Arts (AKSUJA) 5 (2), 25-33. (Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria). (2025)
  18. Pan Nigerian, The Poisoned Holy Communion and the Citizens’ Psyche: Masking the Pandemic.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Nenge, T. A.
    In J. K. Ayantayo et al (Eds). Religion, Politics and Media Discourse in the Global Context. Ibadan. Hope Publications. pp. 83-96. (2024)
  19. Reforming Nigeria via Good Governance: A Focus on the Constantinian Model of Leadership
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Ado Journal of Religion and Culture (AJRAC), Department of Religious Studies, Ekiti State University. 5 (1), 98-102. (Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria). (2024)
  20. Christians, Politicians and Governance in Nigeria: A Critical Examination”.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Bamidele, D. Y.
    OCHENDO: An African Journal of Innovative Studies. A publication of Association for the Promotion of African Studies, Tansian University. 5 (4), 9-25. (Umunya, Nigeria). (2024)
  21. Archdeacon Lennon’s Missionary Strategies for Peace-building and Sustainable Development in Akokoland.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    Nigerian Journal of Christian Studies (NJCS). 7 (1), 126-142. (Ibadan, Nigeria). (2024)
  22. Biblical Perspective on Governance: A Critical Examination
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O, Fakogbe, D. A & Bamidele, D. Y.
    Benin Journal of Religions and Society, Department of Religions, University of Benin. 7 (1), 133-143. (Benin, Nigeria). (2024)
  23. Political Communication and Conflicts Resolution: A Critical Analysis of the factors that Influence Nigerian’s National Security.”
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O, Fakogbe D. A & Nenge, T. A.
    Issues in Language and Literary Studies, Department of English, Ajayi Crowther University. 9 (1), 223-255. (Oyo, Nigeria). (2024)
  24. Missionary Strategies and Indigenous Response: The Introduction of Christianity to the Biseni Clan
    Authors: Oluwajana, J. O & Olaoba, O. O
    Wukari International Studies Journal. Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Federal University. 8 (6), 234-243. (Wukari, Nigeria). (2024)
  25. Functional Theology of Ordination and Church Growth in Anglican Church”.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Udi, K. C
    Anyigba Journal of Arts and Humanities (AJAH), Prince Abubakar Audu University. 17 (2), 281-290. (Anyigba, Nigeria). (2024)
  26. Ecumenical Activities of the Anglican Church and its Challenges in Ekitiland
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Daniel, D. A
    Prince Abubakar Audu University Journal of Arts and Humanities. Special Edition. 17 (2), 257-271. (Anyigba, Nigeria). (2024)
  27. Single Parenting and Child Abandonment in Owena-Ijesa Community: A Search for solution.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Olasehinde, J. A
    Crowther Journal of Arts and Humanities (CJAH), University on the Niger. 1 (5), 116-126. (Umunya, Nigeria) (2024)
  28. Mainstreaming Religious Harmony in Educational Curriculum to Engender National Development in Nigeria
    Authors: Mepayeida, S. M & Olaoba, O. O
    Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development. 7(2), 150-158. (Awka, Nigeria) (2024)
  29. Effect of Pastoral Church Ministry on their Family Stability: A Case Study of Selected Churches in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Community Development Area, Lagos State.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O & Obembe, F
    Benin Journal of Religions and Society, Department of Religions, University of Benin. 6 (2), 93-107. (Benin, Nigeria). (2024)
  30. Criminology and Christianity: Understanding Justice, Redemption and Social Transformation.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O and Daniel, D. A
    ACU Journal of Humanities (ACUJOH) 7 (1), 16-29. (Oyo, Nigeria). (2024)
  31. Christian Perspectives on Work Ethics and its Implications on the Nigerian Economy.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O and Daniel, D. A
    Anyigba Journal of Arts and Humanities (AJAH), Prince Abubakar Audu University. 17 (1), 248-260. (Anyigba, Nigeria). (2024)
  32. Akoko Sub-Ethnic Group of Yorubaland: An Historical Assessment of the Pre-Colonial Belief System and the Advent of Christianity.
    Authors: Olaoba, Olaitan Oyedele
    Issues in Language and Literary Studies, Department of English, Ajayi Crowther University. 8(1), 341-357. (Oyo, Nigeria) (2024)
  33. Christian Missionaries’ contributions to socio-economic and political change in Nigeria: A Case study of Archdeacon Lackland Augustus Lennon’s strategies for the development of Akokoland, Nigeria
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    In I. S. Aderibigbe & J. O. Okunoye (Eds). Christianity as a Catalyst for Social-economic and Political Development in Nigeria. Ilorin. Chrimadel Publishing House. pp. 100-109. (2023)
  34. Social Contract in defining a Saint or Christian Hero in the Church.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O
    ACUJORES, Religious Studies Department, Ajayi Crowther University 2 (1), 30-38. (Oyo, Nigeria). (2023)
  35. The Historical Survey of ‘Gberefu Island’ to the Development of Christianity in Badagry.
    Authors: Bello, T. T and Olaoba, O. O
    Ado Journal of History and International Studies, Department of History and International Studies, Ekiti State University. 3 (1), 201-241. (Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria). (2023)
  36. The Influence of Christian Education in Curbing Religious Conflicts and Terrorism in Northern Nigeria”.
    Authors: Olaoba, O. O and Daniel, D. A
    Wukari International Studies Journal, Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Federal University. 7 (5), 40-50. (Wukari, Nigeria). (2023)
  37. The Role of Christianity in Building the Economy and Curbing Famine in the Society.
    Authors: Oyewole, E. A. & Olaoba, O. O
    LASU Journal of Humanities.17 (2), 206-219. (Ojo, Nigeria).

Professional Qualification

Membership of Professional Bodies

Paper Presentation - Local

Course Teaching