Catholic priest resigns to embrace traditional religion

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

Obiagbaosogu, a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, revealed this following the recent defence of his PhD dissertation titled ‘Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.’

He stated that his choice to shift from Catholicism to African traditional spirituality was motivated by his profound interest in ancestral spiritual practices, especially the craft of rainmaking.

He emphasised that Africa was rich in resources and cultural values, many of which were eroded during the colonial period.

After spending several months apprenticing under a renowned native doctor, Obiagbaosogu explained that his research was focused on rediscovering and preserving those lost African traditions.

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. The topic of my research is ‘Rainmaking and control in Igbo African medicine: A case study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State’.

“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 was an agriculturist with trees around the compound and always brought in new ones, some of which he said were medicinal."

“So, I learned from him to appreciate nature. My background is also significant. I was once a Catholic priest—Rev. Father. I began this research as a priest five years ago and then left the priesthood, so now I am married."

“Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and 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 continued, “I conducted this research with the intention of recovering our lost African values. There was one of my father’s friends, and when I was in the seminary, I founded a school called the Society for African Culture."