A pastor in Ondo State, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, declaring himself a Babalawo.
Olabanjo, who was the founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the announcement in a video shared online.
In the video, the former pastor explained that his spiritual journey had led him away from Christianity and into Ifá practice.
He said he was formerly known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but had now adopted the name Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare and identified himself as a Babalawo of Ifá.
The announcement has attracted attention and mixed reactions on social media, largely because of Olabanjo’s previous position as a Christian pastor and his leadership of an evangelical ministry.
A Babalawo is traditionally regarded as a priest and custodian of Ifá, a Yoruba system of divination and spiritual knowledge. The practice has existed among the Yoruba people for generations and remains an important part of Yoruba traditional culture.
Ifá is based on a large body of oral and literary knowledge interpreted by trained practitioners. Babalawos traditionally serve as advisers and spiritual guides and perform rituals and consultations based on Ifá teachings.
Olabanjo said his decision was the result of his personal spiritual journey and that he had now fully committed himself to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
He also expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders whom he credited with guiding him through his transition.
The former pastor particularly acknowledged his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
In Yoruba traditional religious practice, an Oluwo is an experienced Ifá priest who may provide guidance and training to other practitioners. The relationship between an Oluwo and an apprentice or younger priest can therefore play an important role in the transmission of Ifá knowledge.
Olabanjo also thanked other people who, according to him, supported him during his spiritual journey.
He stressed the importance of elders and mentorship within indigenous spiritual practice, suggesting that his new path was one he had entered through guidance and learning.
The former pastor went further to reject Christianity and other religions he described as foreign.
He declared his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and described foreign religions as false, while presenting the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition as the authentic spiritual path.
His remarks have generated debate online, with reactions ranging from support for his freedom to choose his religion to criticism of his rejection of Christianity.
The development has also renewed discussion about religious conversion and the growing interest in indigenous African spiritual traditions among some Nigerians.
Nigeria remains a deeply religious country, with Christianity, Islam and traditional African religions forming important parts of its religious landscape. While Christianity and Islam are the dominant faiths, traditional religious practices continue to exist in different parts of the country.
Among the Yoruba, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe refers broadly to the indigenous religious and cultural system and includes beliefs, rituals, festivals, values and practices passed down through generations.
In recent years, some advocates of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe have sought to promote indigenous religious practices as part of Yoruba cultural identity. They have argued that African traditional beliefs should not automatically be viewed as backward or inferior because of the influence of Christianity and Islam.
The renewed interest has also been visible through cultural festivals, traditional ceremonies and online platforms where practitioners and supporters discuss Yoruba spirituality and history.
For some adherents, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not only a religious system but also a way of preserving Yoruba culture, language, values and traditional knowledge.
The debate over traditional religion, however, remains sensitive in Nigeria, where many people strongly identify with Christianity or Islam.
Olabanjo’s case has attracted particular attention because of his background as an evangelical pastor. His previous role meant that his decision was viewed differently from that of an ordinary individual changing religious beliefs.
Religious conversion is, however, protected under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, which provides for freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Citizens have the right to change their religion or belief and to practise their faith, subject to the law.
Olabanjo did not indicate that his decision was connected to any dispute within his former church or ministry. Instead, he presented it as a personal spiritual decision following what he described as a journey of discovery and guidance.
His declaration also highlights the continuing conversation about the place of indigenous belief systems in modern Nigerian society.
While traditional religious practices were discouraged during the colonial period and later by Christian missionary activities, many indigenous beliefs survived and remain part of the cultural life of communities across Nigeria.
The Ifá system, in particular, has gained international recognition as an important part of Yoruba cultural heritage. Its knowledge and practices have been passed down largely through oral traditions and the training of practitioners.