Popular Ondo Pastor Leaves Christianity, Becomes Babalawo

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.

The former founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries introduced himself by his new spiritual identity, Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare.

He expressed gratitude to traditional spiritual elders who guided his transition and rejected Christianity and other foreign religions as false. His announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media due to his previous role as a Christian pastor.

Key Points:

The transition challenges rigid religious boundaries in Nigeria.
His new identity may attract followers to Ifá practice.
The announcement could deepen debates on religious conversion.
He acknowledges the importance of indigenous spiritual mentorship.
The move reflects growing interest in traditional spirituality.

With his announcement now public, the question is how his former congregation will react—and whether his new path will gain followers.