Ex-Catholic Priest Echezona Obiagbaosogu Leaves Priesthood to Follow African Traditional Beliefs
Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest for 17 years, has announced his resignation from the priesthood to embrace African traditional spirituality. Obiagbaosogu, who currently teaches African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, explained that his deep interest in African spirituality, particularly the practice of rainmaking, led him to this significant life change.
After successfully defending his PhD dissertation, “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” on Wednesday, Obiagbaosogu shared his view that Africa’s vast resources and cultural heritage have been deeply impacted by colonialism. He revealed that he spent months studying with a respected traditional healer, gaining insight into the ancient practices and knowledge that he believes were lost over time. His research aims to rediscover and preserve these important African traditions.
Obiagbaosogu stated, “I have come to realize that my true purpose is to serve my people through the ancestral ways of our forebears. After 17 years as a Catholic priest, I chose to leave and embrace traditional African religion. My dissertation focuses on ‘Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.'”
He reflected on his upbringing, recalling that he lived for a time with his maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while his father, a Christian, also held a deep appreciation for nature and traditional practices. “My father was an agriculturist, and he often spoke of the medicinal properties of certain trees. From him, I learned to respect and understand nature,” Obiagbaosogu said.
His exploration of African spirituality began during his time as a priest, and he now continues this research as a married man. “This research stems from my curiosity about nature, spirituality, and the divine. As a priest, I had experience in healthcare, which also shaped my understanding of well-being.”
Obiagbaosogu further explained his academic inquiry into rainmaking, stating that he was motivated by a desire to revive and protect African values. He recalled an experience in seminary when a friend of his father’s demonstrated rainmaking. This event sparked his academic curiosity, leading him to investigate this practice in more depth.
“My goal is to uncover the truth about the power of native healers and their role in safeguarding African traditions. Through my studies, I have confirmed that rainmaking is a reality, practiced by traditional doctors or ‘dibia.’ This decision is not about rejecting God but about seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with the divine,” he said.
He also shared his views on the interplay between magic, religion, and science. “Civilization started with magic, evolved into religion, and today, we see the rise of fields like nanoscience. The West explored these magical laws, formalized them, and called them science. Essentially, science is what was once considered magic.”
Obiagbaosogu argued that African magic, or what some call African science, remains largely unexplored. “It is not the fictional magic portrayed in Nollywood films that distorts our culture. True African magic is a form of science that must be documented and preserved for future generations.”
Reflecting on his decision to leave the priesthood, he said, “Life is a journey, and we all must grow and adapt. Understanding oneself is key to making the right choices. I made this decision after deep personal reflection, and it is based on my own beliefs and convictions.”
Obiagbaosogu chose not to delve into the specifics of his resignation, emphasizing that it was a matter of personal faith and self-discovery.
