A Professor of New Testament at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Olu Alana, has urged Africans to rethink their approach to Christianity, advocating for the decolonisation of its teachings to break free from the lingering effects of colonialism and neo-colonialism.
Delivering the university’s 36th Inaugural Lecture titled “Decolonising the New Testament’s Portraits and Narratives in Africa”, Prof. Alana emphasized that Africa’s political, economic, and religious struggles are deeply rooted in the colonial presentation of Christianity.
Reclaiming Christianity for Africa
He argued that Christianity should not be dismissed but re-examined to align with African traditions.
> “Christianity is a civilising agent—a catalyst for love, peace, and development. However, we must review the way it is practised on our continent to free ourselves from Western dominance and harness its true benefits.”
According to Alana, the portrayal of Jesus by colonial missionaries was a misrepresentation designed to keep Africans submissive.
> “The Jesus they presented was meek and subservient. But the true biblical Jesus is an activist—a revolutionary who stood with the voiceless and challenged oppressive systems.”
He called on Africans to critically assess their allegiance to the colonial version of Christianity, warning against blindly accepting foreign interpretations.
Polygamy, Tithes, and the Church’s Role
Addressing polygamy, Prof. Alana asserted that colonial missionaries imposed monogamy as a Christian ideal, despite the Bible not mandating it.
> “Missionaries rejected polygamy not based on biblical doctrine but due to their own cultural biases. They overemphasized monogamy to promote European values, disregarding Africa’s own rich marital traditions.”
On tithing, he criticized the modern church’s focus on financial contributions, arguing that colonial missionaries left no scriptural blueprint for tithing practices.
> “Tithes are not a New Testament requirement. Jesus neither paid nor received tithes, yet today’s churches have turned it into a goldmine, prioritising wealth over true Christian values.”
A Call for Social Responsibility
Prof. Alana urged churches to shift focus from grandiose projects to community service.
> “Instead of spending millions on 500,000-seat auditoriums or private universities, churches should invest in their congregants—feed the hungry, just as Jesus did.”
A Scholar of Influence
Vice Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige commended Alana as a bold and influential scholar, describing him as “a globally recognized speaker and award-winning researcher” whose work continues to shape theological discourse.
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