A former Christian pastor in Ondo State, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his departure from Christianity and his adoption of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.
Olabanjo, who founded the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made his new position known in a video shared on social media.
In the video, he introduced himself by a new name and spiritual title, saying he now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, a Babalawo practising Ifá.
He explained that his decision followed what he described as a personal spiritual journey that eventually led him away from Christianity and into the traditional Yoruba belief system.
The former pastor also expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders who, according to him, played significant roles in guiding him through the transition.
Among those he acknowledged was his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he described as the Araba of Isararemọ.
Olabanjo further thanked others who supported him during the process, stressing the importance of mentorship and the guidance of elders in indigenous spiritual practice.
He also openly criticised Christianity and other foreign religions, declaring his preference for Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, which he described as the authentic spiritual path.
His declaration has generated reactions on social media, with many users focusing on the development because of his previous position as a Christian cleric and founder of an evangelical ministry.