Popular Ondo State cleric, Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to leave Christian ministry and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.
Olabanjo, who was formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the disclosure in a video that has circulated widely online. He introduced himself by a new spiritual identity, Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, and described himself as a Babalawo of Ifá.
Pastor announces spiritual transition
In the video, Olabanjo explained that he was formerly known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold and founded Image of God Evangelical Ministries before his transition to his new religious path.
“I am Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but now Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.”
He also expressed appreciation to his spiritual mentor, Baba Aifuwapẹ Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ, for guiding him through his transition into Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
The former pastor said his decision followed what he described as a personal spiritual journey that eventually led him away from Christianity and towards indigenous Yoruba spirituality.
Criticises foreign religions
During the announcement, Olabanjo went beyond explaining his personal transition and criticised religions he described as foreign.
He declared:
“All these foreign religions are lies and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the real deal.”
His comments have generated considerable discussion online, particularly because of his previous position as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
New identity as Babalawo
Following the transition, Olabanjo now identifies with the traditional Yoruba spiritual system and the Ifá tradition.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe broadly refers to indigenous Yoruba religious and cultural traditions, while Ifá is a major Yoruba divination and spiritual system. A Babalawo is traditionally a practitioner and custodian of Ifá knowledge.
Reports on his announcement indicate that the transition represents a significant change from the Christian ministry he previously led.
Social media reactions
The announcement has attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians online.
While some social media users questioned his decision and the authenticity of his previous Christian ministry, others viewed the development as a matter of personal religious conviction and freedom.
The controversy has also reignited broader conversations about religious conversion, indigenous African spirituality and the growing visibility of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe in contemporary Nigerian society.
For now, Olabanjo has publicly made his position clear: he has left his former Christian identity behind and embraced the traditional Yoruba spiritual path as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.
National Concord will continue to monitor reactions to the development and any further clarification from Olabanjo Felix Gold or his former ministry.
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