Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest who served for 17 years, has announced his resignation from the priesthood to fully embrace African traditional religion.
Now a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Obiagbaosogu made this revelation after successfully defending 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 decision, Dr. Obiagbaosogu cited a deep interest in ancestral spiritual practices, particularly the art of rainmaking, as a key factor in his transition from Catholicism to African spirituality. He expressed a strong desire to rediscover and preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage, much of which he noted had been eroded during colonial times.
“Africa is abundant in resources and cultural values that deserve to be cherished and restored,” he said.
To deepen his understanding, Dr. Obiagbaosogu apprenticed under a renowned native doctor, immersing himself in traditional practices. He explained that his journey into African spirituality aligns with his lifelong curiosity about nature, spirituality, and the essence of God.
“I have come to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” he stated. “I began this research five years ago while still a priest. However, I resigned from the priesthood to fully embrace the traditional African religion and am now married. This journey has been deeply personal and transformative.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Dr. Obiagbaosogu shared how his exposure to both Christianity and traditional practices shaped his perspective. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian who valued traditional materials and medicinal plants. This background instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and spirituality.”
As a former priest with experience in the health sector, Dr. Obiagbaosogu said his research aims to bridge the gap between spirituality and health. “This research was driven by my curiosity about spirituality and nature’s connection to health. It’s about reclaiming our lost African values and promoting them for the benefit of our society.”
He further revealed that his passion for African traditions began during his time in the seminary, where he founded a school called the Society for African Culture. Dr. Obiagbaosogu’s work represents a significant effort to preserve and promote African spirituality and cultural heritage.
