Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest with 17 years of service, has announced his resignation from the priesthood to embrace African traditional religion.
As reported by PUNCH, Obiagbaosogu, who is also a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said his fascination with traditional African spirituality and rainmaking inspired his decision.
On Wednesday, after defending his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” Obiagbaosogu emphasized the importance of Africa’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which he believes has been eroded by colonial influences.
“I have come to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” he said. “I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning. 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.’”
A Journey into African Spirituality
Obiagbaosogu shared how his upbringing influenced his current path. Raised by a Christian father who still appreciated traditional medicine and a maternal grandfather who was a traditionalist, he developed a curiosity about nature and spirituality.
He also disclosed that he studied under a renowned native doctor while conducting research aimed at recovering Africa’s lost values. “During my time in the seminary, I founded a school called the Society for African Culture. We once invited a traditional rainmaker to demonstrate his craft, and it was a profound experience that inspired me to explore it academically,” he explained.
Obiagbaosogu emphasized that his exploration of rainmaking and other traditional practices is not a rejection of God but an attempt to connect with the divine in a deeper and more authentic way.
Bridging Magic, Religion, and Science
The former priest argued that African traditional practices hold significant scientific value, often misunderstood and misrepresented. “Civilization began with magic, evolved into religion, and today we see its transformation into nanoscience and other advanced fields,” he said.
“The white man took magical laws, codified them, and called them science. African magic is essentially African science, yet unexplored. It is not the exaggerated version portrayed by Nollywood, which has contributed to the destruction of our culture and values.”
Obiagbaosogu stressed the importance of documenting and modernizing African traditional practices for future generations.
Personal Conviction
When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu described it as a personal journey of self-discovery. “Life is a process, and sometimes you need to look inward and make decisions that align with your understanding of reality,” he stated.
He declined to delve into the specifics of his resignation, describing it as a matter of personal conviction and growth.
