A 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.
Olabanjo, the former founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the announcement in a video shared online, where he explained that his spiritual journey had led him from Christianity to Ifá practice.
Introducing himself by his new spiritual identity, he said he was formerly known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.
He expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders who he said guided him through his transition, particularly his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
The former pastor also thanked others who supported him during his spiritual journey, stressing what he described as the importance of mentorship and the guidance of elders in indigenous spiritual practice.
Olabanjo, in outlining his new religious position, rejected Christianity and other foreign religions while declaring his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
He described the foreign religions as false and affirmed that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe was the authentic spiritual path.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media, with many focusing on his previous role as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
