Akwa, Nigeria – Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has announced his decision to leave the priesthood and embrace African traditional religion.
Obiagbaosogu, who is a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said his fascination with African spirituality, particularly the art of rainmaking, influenced his decision.
The scholar, who recently defended his PhD dissertation titled Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine, described his journey as one of self-discovery. His research was conducted in Isieke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, and he stated that it aimed to recover lost African values.
“I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” Obiagbaosogu said. “I began this research as a priest five years ago and then left the priesthood. Now, I am married.”
Obiagbaosogu revealed that his early exposure to traditional practices shaped his perspective. While his father was a Christian, his maternal grandfather practised traditional religion, and this duality left a lasting impression. He added, “My father, an agriculturist, appreciated nature and taught me to value it. This background played a significant role in my journey.”
The former priest explained that his research on rainmaking originated from a childhood curiosity. “During my seminary days, I founded the Society for African Culture. We once invited a native doctor who demonstrated rainmaking. That experience inspired me to investigate it academically,” he said.
Obiagbaosogu emphasised that his work explores the intersection of African spirituality, science, and religion. He argued that many traditional African practices dismissed as superstition are rooted in unexplored scientific principles.
“What we call African magic is actually African science. It is not the Nollywood portrayal, but a legitimate system that needs to be documented and codified for posterity,” he stated.
On his resignation from the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu said it was a personal decision shaped by life’s evolving realities. “Life is a process. One must understand oneself and remain open to reality to make meaningful decisions,” he remarked.
While declining to discuss specific reasons for his departure from the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu maintained that his journey reflects a broader quest to rediscover African heritage.
He expressed hope that his work would inspire others to appreciate the depth and richness of African traditional knowledge systems.