A cleric in Ondo State, Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the Yoruba traditional religious system, declaring himself a Babalawo of Ifá.
Olabanjo, who was formerly associated with the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the declaration in a video shared online.
‘I Am Now Babalawo of Ifá’
In the video, the cleric introduced himself by his new spiritual title and disclosed that his religious journey had led him away from Christianity.
“I am Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, who was formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries before, but who is now Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Ifá and the traditional spiritual elders whom he said had guided him through his new path.
Thanks Spiritual Mentors
Olabanjo specifically acknowledged his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, whom he identified as Oluṣẹgun Latunji, the Araba of Isararemọ.
“I want to use this time to thank my father, my Oluwo, my father, Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, who is the Araba of Isararemọ,” he said.
The former pastor also appreciated other individuals whom he said supported him throughout his spiritual journey.
‘Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Is the Real Deal’
While explaining his new religious position, Olabanjo criticised what he described as foreign religions and declared his belief in Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
“I want to thank all the children who stood firmly by me wherever they raised me by hand and foot,” he said.
He added: “I want to use this time to tell you that all these foreign religions are lies and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the real deal.”
Former Christian Cleric Takes New Spiritual Path
Olabanjo’s declaration marks a major change from his previous identity as a Christian pastor and founder of a Christian ministry.
His announcement has since generated reactions online, particularly because of his previous role in Christian ministry and his decision to publicly identify himself as a Babalawo.
The development comes amid continuing public discussions around traditional Yoruba spirituality, religious identity and the growing visibility of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.
