Controversy As Catholic Priest Resigns, Embraces Traditional Religion

A Catholic priest, Echezona Obiagbaosogu, has resigned from his priestly duties to embrace African traditional religion.

Echezona Obiagbaosogu made the decision to resign as a Catholic priest following the successful defense of his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine.

Obiagbaosogu, who is a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, made the revelation on his decision to resign after being a catholic priest for 17 years.

His academic exploration into the ancient practice of rainmaking marks the cornerstone of his spiritual transition. According to Obiagbaosogu, rainmaking combines natural elements, spiritual forces, and what he describes as African science. In his research, he detailed three methods of rainmaking: using clay tripods with concoctions, employing coldrone structures with fermented herbs, and utilizing psycho-spiritual techniques involving the human mind’s power.

The former catholic priest explained that his fascination with rainmaking was ignited during his childhood. Raised by a Christian father who also valued traditional medicine and a maternal grandfather who was a traditionalist, Obiagbaosogu’s upbringing provided a dual perspective on spirituality.

“My father was a devout Christian, but he appreciated nature and traditional healing. I witnessed these values firsthand, which planted a deep curiosity about indigenous knowledge,” he shared.

Obiagbaosogu’s decision to resign as a Catholic priest stems from a broader quest for truth and a desire to reconnect with Africa’s rich spiritual heritage. “This journey is about embracing the divine in a more meaningful way, not rejecting God,” he stated. “Life is a process, and self-awareness leads us to new paths.”

He emphasized that his experiences in the seminary and the health sector fueled his desire to explore spirituality through the lens of African culture. Recalling a pivotal moment during his seminary years, he described watching a family friend perform rainmaking, an encounter that shaped his lifelong quest for knowledge.

During his doctoral research, he studied extensively with a renowned native doctor, learning firsthand about the science behind rain control. Obiagbaosogu insists that African traditional practices should be viewed as legitimate science rather than dismissed as mere superstition.

“African magic is not what Nollywood portrays,” he explained. “What they show has eroded our cultural identity. Real African magic is African science—an untapped body of knowledge that we must codify and preserve for future generations.”

Reflecting on his decision to resign as a catholic priest, Obiagbaosogu described it as a personal evolution. “Understanding yourself and staying open to reality allows you to make authentic life choices,” he noted, underscoring his belief that his new path aligns with his search for deeper spiritual truths.

(With additional information from Punch)
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