Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a Catholic priest with 17 years of experience, has officially stepped down from his clerical duties to adopt African traditional spirituality.
Obiagbaosogu, who lectures in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, revealed that his passion for traditional African beliefs and rainmaking practices influenced his decision.
THE PUNCH repots that on Wednesday, following the defense of his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” Obiagbaosogu highlighted the significance of Africa’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which he claims has been deeply affected by colonial legacies.
“I’ve realized my true purpose lies in serving my people through our ancestral traditions,” he said. “I served as a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning. My research topic focuses on ‘Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.’”
Obiagbaosogu recounted how his childhood experiences shaped his current path. His father, a Christian who valued traditional medicine, and his grandfather, a staunch traditionalist, nurtured his curiosity about nature and spirituality.
During his academic research, Obiagbaosogu studied under a seasoned native healer to explore ways of reclaiming Africa’s lost cultural values.
He also recalled founding the Society for African Culture during his seminary days, where he invited a rainmaker to demonstrate his craft, sparking his academic interest in the practice.
“My exploration of rainmaking and other African traditions is not a rejection of God but an effort to connect with the divine more authentically,” he explained.
Obiagbaosogu argued that African traditional practices contain significant scientific insights that are often misunderstood.
He noted, “Magic evolved into religion, which has now transformed into modern science, including nanotechnology. The principles behind African magic are essentially scientific, yet they remain untapped.”
He criticized Nollywood for its portrayal of African traditions, which he believes has damaged cultural values.
Obiagbaosogu emphasized the need to document and modernize traditional practices for future generations.
When asked about his departure from the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu described it as a deeply personal journey of self-reflection. “Life is about growth and finding alignment with one’s understanding of reality,” he remarked.
He declined to discuss the specifics of his resignation but emphasized it as a necessary step in his personal and spiritual evolution.
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