Photo: Dr Obiagbaosogu – after and before
By Hanson Hugo
Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest with 17 years of service, has announced his resignation from the priesthood to adopt African Traditional Religion. The 48-year-old academic, who now lectures on African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, explained that his decision stemmed from his deepening interest in African spirituality, particularly the practice of rainmaking.
Dr. Obiagbaosogu’s academic journey culminated in the defense of his PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine”. He expressed his belief that African culture and spirituality hold significant value, much of which was suppressed through colonialism.
He revealed that his decision to leave the clergy was not abrupt but rooted in years of study. “I spent months learning under a respected native doctor, delving into the ancient traditions and practices that have been overlooked or lost,” he explained. “My research was aimed at rediscovering the cultural wealth that colonial influence sought to erase.”
Dr. Obiagbaosogu, who grew up in a unique cultural environment, shared that his background was key to his journey. “I was raised partly by my maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while my father, a devout Christian, also had a deep respect for indigenous knowledge. His background as an agriculturist, with medicinal trees in our compound, instilled in me a profound respect for nature and its spiritual significance,” he said.
Initially embarking on his academic research while still a Catholic priest, Dr. Obiagbaosogu’s growing curiosity about spirituality and the divine led him to shift focus. His dissertation, which centers on the practices of rainmaking in the Igbo community of Isieke, Anambra State, reflects his transition into studying African traditional medicine and spirituality.
“During my time as a priest, I worked in healthcare, gaining a unique perspective on health, healing, and spirituality,” Dr. Obiagbaosogu explained. “This experience greatly influenced my decision to embrace the more holistic and spiritually meaningful practices of our ancestors.”
He elaborated on his growing belief that African magic — which he sees as deeply intertwined with African science — has long been misunderstood and misrepresented, especially in popular media. “What is often called ‘African magic’ in Nollywood films is a distorted view of our culture,” he said. “In reality, African magic is science yet to be fully understood. It is the same as the laws of nature that modern science codifies, but it has always been present in our traditions. My goal is to recover and document these practices for future generations.”
Despite his bold shift in belief, Dr. Obiagbaosogu maintains a respectful view toward religion, emphasizing that his decision does not signify a rejection of spirituality. “I am not turning my back on God,” he clarified. “Rather, I am embracing the divine in a more authentic and meaningful way, one that connects with the deep spiritual roots of my heritage.”
When asked about his resignation from the priesthood, he remained discreet, stating that the decision was based on personal conviction. “Life is a process,” he said. “One must remain open to change and make decisions that align with personal truths.”
Now married and continuing his work as an academic, Dr. Obiagbaosogu remains dedicated to studying and teaching African traditional beliefs and practices, hoping to foster greater understanding of these rich cultural traditions.
