A popular Ondo State pastor, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, declaring himself a Babalawo.
Olabanjo, who founded Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the announcement in a video shared online.
In the recording, the former pastor introduced himself by his new spiritual identity, saying his personal journey had taken him from Christianity to Ifá practice.
He explained that he was formerly known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.
Olabanjo thanked traditional spiritual elders who guided him through his transition. He especially acknowledged his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
He also appreciated others who supported him during his spiritual journey, stressing the importance of elders and mentorship in indigenous spiritual practice.
Olabanjo firmly rejected Christianity and other foreign religions, while declaring his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
He described the foreign religions as false and said Ìṣẹ̀ṣe was the authentic spiritual path.
His announcement has drawn attention and mixed reactions on social media, mainly because of his former role as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
