Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest with 17 years of service, has announced his resignation to adopt African traditional religion.
Currently teaching African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, Obiagbaosogu expressed his fascination with traditional African spirituality and rainmaking practices.
After successfully defending his PhD dissertation on “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” he emphasized the need to recover valuable African traditions that have been lost due to colonial influence. He spent months training under a native doctor to learn the complexities of the craft and aims to revive these cultural practices.Obiagbaosogu stated, “I realized that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I began this research while I was still a priest and now, as a married man, I can fully commit to it.”
His research was inspired by his upbringing and experiences with his grandfather, a traditionalist, and his father, a Christian who respected traditional practices. He intends to highlight the role of native doctors in preserving African values and believes that understanding these practices can lead to a deeper spiritual connection.Regarding his departure from the priesthood, he noted, “Life is a process, and understanding oneself is crucial in making life decisions.”
He chose not to delve into the details of his resignation, framing it as a matter of personal conviction.Obiagbaosogu also discussed the interplay between magic, religion, and science, suggesting that what was once seen as magic has evolved into what we now recognize as science.
He criticized the portrayal of African magic in popular media, asserting that true African magic represents uncharted scientific principles deserving documentation and respect.
