A former Ondo State pastor, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to quit Christianity and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.
Olabanjo, who was the founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made his position known in a video shared on social media.
In the video, the former cleric said his spiritual journey had taken him from Christianity to Ifá, introducing himself as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, a Babalawo of Ifá.
He explained that he no longer identified with the Christian ministry he previously led, having chosen to devote himself to the practice of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
Olabanjo also acknowledged traditional spiritual elders whom he said played important roles in guiding him through his transition.
Among those he recognised was his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
The former pastor expressed appreciation to others who supported him during what he described as his spiritual journey, stressing the importance of mentorship and the guidance of elders in indigenous spiritual practice.
Olabanjo further declared his rejection of Christianity and other foreign religions, describing Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as the authentic spiritual path he had chosen to follow.
His declaration has generated reactions online, particularly because of his previous identity as a Christian pastor and his leadership of an evangelical ministry.