A former Catholic priest of 17 years and lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, has made headlines by resigning from the priesthood to embrace African traditional religion.
Driven by a fascination with African spirituality and cultural heritage, Obiagbaosogu now devotes himself to preserving and reviving African values through his work and academic research.
The ex-priest recently defended his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.” During the defense, he revealed that his studies and personal experiences led him to this profound life transformation.
“After years of spiritual reflection, I realized my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” Obiagbaosogu said. “I began this research five years ago while still a Catholic priest. Over time, I found a deeper connection to African traditional spirituality, and this prompted my resignation. I am now married and committed to living authentically in alignment with my heritage.”
Obiagbaosogu recounted his formative years, explaining how his upbringing influenced his academic and spiritual journey. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while my father, though a Christian, believed in the medicinal and agricultural significance of nature. This background nurtured my appreciation for nature and traditional practices.”
Obiagbaosogu immersed himself in learning the art of rainmaking, studying under a renowned native doctor. His research delved into the mysteries of this ancient practice, aiming to document and preserve its relevance in African culture.
“My curiosity about the nature of God and spirituality inspired this research,” he explained. “Rainmaking is not just folklore—it is real, rooted in the practices of native doctors (dibia) who contribute significantly to preserving African values. I conducted this research to recover what colonialism and modernity have eroded. This is about restoring pride in our heritage.”
Obiagbaosogu emphasized that his embrace of African traditional religion is not a rejection of God but an exploration of divinity in a more authentic way. “I am not turning my back on God. Instead, I am rediscovering the divine through our indigenous spirituality.”
Drawing on his academic insights, Obiagbaosogu offered thought-provoking perspectives on the relationship between magic, religion, and science.
“Civilization began with magic, transitioned to religion, and now we have science,” he said. “What we call science today was once considered magic. The white man explored these magical laws, codified them, and called them science. Similarly, African magic—what I call African science—remains largely unexplored. It’s time we codify and document these practices for posterity.”
Obiagbaosogu critiqued the portrayal of African spirituality in Nollywood, describing it as harmful to the preservation of African culture. “The ‘African magic’ in Nollywood has been used as a tool to destroy our values. True African magic is a form of science that we must study, refine, and preserve for future generations.”
When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu emphasized that it was a personal conviction. “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to question and explore new paths. The key is self-awareness and openness to reality.”
While declining to provide specific details about his resignation, Obiagbaosogu reiterated that his choice was rooted in a deeper understanding of his identity and purpose.
With his academic and spiritual pursuits now aligned, Obiagbaosogu remains committed to advocating for the revival of African traditions. His journey serves as a testament to the power of cultural rediscovery and the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems.
