Catholic priest resigns after 17 years, embraces traditional religion

Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has announced his resignation from the priesthood to embrace African traditional religion.

Obiagbaosogu, who currently teaches African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, made the revelation after defending his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine” on Wednesday.

He explained that his decision to transition from Catholicism to traditional African spirituality was driven by his fascination with the spiritual practices of his ancestors, particularly the art of rainmaking.

He stated that Africa possesses immense resources and values, many of which were diminished during the colonial era.

Having spent several months studying under a renowned native doctor, Obiagbaosogu noted that his research aimed to recover these lost African traditions.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he said, “I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion.”

Obiagbaosogu’s interest in African spirituality began during his childhood. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian before he passed away. Though he was a Christian, he still believed in traditional materials,” he shared. The blending of these influences according to him parked his deep appreciation for nature and spirituality, which he later explored academically.

Describing his research, Obiagbaosogu said it was born from his curiosity about nature, spirituality, and the nature of God. “The research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. As a priest, I had the opportunity to work in health sectors, and I understand what health is all about.”

He also shared an experience that significantly shaped his research. “During my time in the seminary, I founded a school called the Society for African Culture, where we invited my father’s friend to demonstrate rainmaking. He came and made it rain. This experience led me to investigate it in an academic way.”

Obiagbaosogu, according to Punch, stressed that his work aims to recover African values and affirm the reality of practices like rainmaking. “I discovered that it is indeed a reality and done by dibia (native doctors). I am not turning my back on God, but rather, I am embracing the divine in a more meaningful and authentic way.”

He also shared his views on the intersection of magic, religion, and science. “Civilisation began with magic, moved to religion, and today we are talking about nanoscience and other fields. The white man was able to explore these magical laws, codify them, and call them science. So, science is essentially what was once magic.”

Obiagbaosogu added that the portrayal of African magic in popular media, particularly Nollywood, has distorted its true essence. “African magic is actually African science, which remains unexplored. We must begin to modify, codify, and document it for posterity.”

When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu explained, “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to look left and right. One important thing is for the person to know themselves. If you understand yourself and remain open to reality, you will begin to make decisions for your life.”

However, he refused to discuss the specifics of his resignation, describing it as a matter of personal conviction.

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