Akwa, Nigeria – Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has introduced his determination to go away the priesthood and embrace African conventional faith.
Obiagbaosogu, who’s a lecturer in African Conventional Faith at Nnamdi Azikiwe College, Awka, Anambra State, mentioned his fascination with African spirituality, notably the artwork of rainmaking, influenced his determination.
The scholar, who just lately defended his PhD dissertation titled Rainmaking and Management in Igbo African Medication, described his journey as one in all self-discovery. His analysis was carried out in Isieke, Ihiala Native Authorities Space of Anambra State, and he acknowledged that it aimed to get better misplaced African values.
“I’ve come to understand that my true calling is to serve my individuals by the traditional traditions of our ancestors,” Obiagbaosogu mentioned. “I started this analysis as a priest 5 years in the past after which left the priesthood. Now, I’m married.”
Obiagbaosogu revealed that his early publicity to conventional practices formed his perspective. Whereas his father was a Christian, his maternal grandfather practised conventional faith, and this duality left a long-lasting impression. He added, “My father, an agriculturist, appreciated nature and taught me to worth it. This background performed a major function in my journey.”
The previous priest defined that his analysis on rainmaking originated from a childhood curiosity. “Throughout my seminary days, I based the Society for African Tradition. We as soon as invited a local physician who demonstrated rainmaking. That have impressed me to research it academically,” he mentioned.
Obiagbaosogu emphasised that his work explores the intersection of African spirituality, science, and faith. He argued that many conventional African practices dismissed as superstition are rooted in unexplored scientific rules.
“What we name African magic is definitely African science. It isn’t the Nollywood portrayal, however a professional system that must be documented and codified for posterity,” he acknowledged.
On his resignation from the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu mentioned it was a private determination formed by life’s evolving realities. “Life is a course of. One should perceive oneself and stay open to actuality to make significant selections,” he remarked.
Whereas declining to debate particular causes for his departure from the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu maintained that his journey displays a broader quest to rediscover African heritage.
He expressed hope that his work would encourage others to understand the depth and richness of African conventional data techniques.
