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 of Ifá.
Olabanjo, who previously founded Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, announced the decision in a video shared online.
In the recording, the former pastor introduced himself using his new spiritual identity and explained that his personal spiritual journey had led him away from Christianity and towards Ifá practice.
He said he was formerly known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.
Olabanjo also expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders whom he credited with guiding him through his transition into indigenous spiritual practice.
He specifically acknowledged his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
The former cleric also thanked others whom he said supported him throughout his spiritual journey, while emphasising the role of elders and mentorship in indigenous spiritual practice.
In outlining his new religious position, Olabanjo openly rejected Christianity and other foreign religions and declared his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
He described the foreign religions as false and said he now considers Ìṣẹ̀ṣe to be the authentic spiritual path.
His announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media, with many users focusing on the significance of his decision given his previous role as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
The development has also renewed conversations online about religious conversion, indigenous African spirituality and the growing interest in traditional Yoruba spiritual practices.
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