Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has publicly announced his resignation from the priesthood to embrace African traditional religion.
Obiagbaosogu, a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, revealed his decision following the successful defense of his PhD dissertation titled Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Explaining his transition, Obiagbaosogu highlighted his deep-seated interest in ancestral spiritual practices, particularly the craft of rainmaking.
He expressed his desire to rediscover and preserve African traditions that have been eroded by colonial influences. His journey into traditional spirituality involved months of apprenticeship under a renowned native doctor to deepen his understanding of these practices.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Obiagbaosogu shared, “My father was a Christian but valued traditional materials and medicinal plants.
Growing up partly with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, shaped my appreciation for nature and African culture. This background, coupled with my curiosity about spirituality and God, led me to explore the essence of African traditions.”
His research journey began five years ago while he was still in the priesthood. However, he eventually resigned, choosing to align fully with the spiritual path that resonated with him.
Today, Obiagbaosogu is married and dedicated to promoting the values and truths of African spirituality. “I discovered that rainmaking is a reality practiced by dibia (native doctors),” he said, emphasizing that his shift in spirituality is not a rejection of God but an embrace of divinity in a more authentic way.
Obiagbaosogu criticized the portrayal of African traditions in Nollywood, describing it as a distortion of true African values.
He pointed out that what is often dismissed as “magic” has been codified and recognized as science in Western societies. “We must reclaim these magical laws, which are an integral part of our heritage,” he urged.
On leaving the priesthood, he said, “Life is a process. As we grow, we understand ourselves better and make decisions that align with who we truly are. This journey has been about authenticity and reclaiming the spiritual legacy of our ancestors.”