A former Catholic priest in Anambra State, Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, has left the priesthood after 17 years to embrace African traditional religion. Dr. Obiagbaosogu, who now teaches African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said his decision was rooted in his fascination with traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking.
Dr. Obiagbaosogu shared this transformation after defending his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State,” on Wednesday. He revealed that his journey into African traditional practices began with a deep curiosity about nature, spirituality, and the roots of African values.
“My True Calling Is to Serve My People”
“I have come to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” Dr. Obiagbaosogu said. “I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion. Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and God.”
The former priest explained that his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for African traditions. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian. Even though my father was a Christian, he still believed in traditional materials and valued the medicinal properties of trees around our compound,” he said.
Dr. Obiagbaosogu also disclosed that he spent months studying under a renowned native doctor to understand the intricacies of rainmaking and traditional medicine. “My research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. I conducted this research intending to recover our lost African values,” he added.
A Journey Inspired by Curiosity
Dr. Obiagbaosogu recalled a pivotal moment during his seminary days when he founded the Society for African Culture and invited a family friend to demonstrate rainmaking. “He came and made it rain. This experience led me to investigate rainmaking in an academic way. I discovered that it is indeed a reality practiced by dibia (native doctors),” he said.
His studies revealed that traditional African practices, often dismissed as magic, have a scientific basis. “Civilization began with magic, moved to religion, and today we are talking about nanoscience and other fields,” he explained. “The white man codified magical laws and called them science. What we call African magic is actually African science, which remains largely unexplored.”
Dr. Obiagbaosogu criticized the portrayal of African traditions in Nollywood, saying, “The African magic of Nollywood is one of the tools used to destroy our culture and values. True African magic is African science, and we must begin to document it for posterity.”
Also Read:
- Nnamdi Kanu Rejects Trial Resumption, Demands Change of Judge
- China Bank Approves $254.76 Million Loan for Kano-Kaduna Railway Project
A Personal Decision
When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Dr. Obiagbaosogu described it as a personal and gradual process. “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to look left and right,” he said. “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.”
He declined to discuss the specifics of his resignation but emphasized that his transition was a matter of personal conviction. “I am not turning my back on God but rather embracing the divine in a more meaningful and authentic way,” he stated.
Preserving African Heritage
Dr. Obiagbaosogu’s work underscores the importance of preserving and reclaiming African heritage. Through his research and teaching, he hopes to inspire others to explore the rich traditions and values of the continent.
As he puts it, “We must begin to modify, codify, and document African science for posterity. There is so much value in our traditions that we have yet to explore.”
Dr. Obiagbaosogu’s journey from the priesthood to traditional African religion reflects a deep quest for knowledge and a desire to reconnect with his roots, offering a new perspective on the intersection of faith, science, and culture.