Catholic priest abandons priesthood for traditional religion, becomes a native doctor

DDM News

An ex-Catholic priest, Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, has explained his reasons for leaving the priesthood and embracing traditional religion.

Dr. Obiagbaosogu, who served as a Catholic priest for 16 years, revealed that he did not abandon God despite his decision.

According to him, religion is one, and people can worship God from different spiritual perspectives without restrictions. Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered.

He emphasized that while he left the priesthood, he remains devoted to God and now identifies as a traditionalist.

The ex-Catholic priest clarified that media reports describing him as a native doctor needed proper definition.

He explained that people often misunderstand the concept of being a native doctor and attach negative connotations to it.

Dr. Obiagbaosogu stated that native doctors should be seen as specialists in African and traditional religion, just like medical doctors.

He argued that traditional religion is not inherently evil but has been misrepresented by some practitioners with bad intentions.

The ex-Catholic priest noted that researchers categorize native doctors into different groups, each with distinct roles.

He asserted that corruption in religion stems from individual actions rather than the religious system itself.

According to him, some Christian pastors exploit their congregations, just as some native doctors misuse their knowledge.

The ex-Catholic priest maintained that spirituality, rather than religious labels, should be the focus of true worship.

When asked about the factors influencing his decision, Dr. Obiagbaosogu mentioned personal experiences, travels, and studies.

He stressed that life is a process, and change is the only constant factor that shapes personal destiny.

He recalled his years in the seminary and as a priest as fulfilling and formative.

Despite his transition to traditional religion, he expressed no regrets about his time in the Catholic Church.

The ex-Catholic priest said he remains proud of every decision he has made concerning his faith journey.

He emphasized that he communed with God before making the choice to embrace traditional religion.

According to him, divine revelations, encounters, and deeper studies played a role in his transformation.

Dr. Obiagbaosogu insisted that his mission remains unchanged, as he continues to serve humanity.

He explained that only the platform of his service has changed, not his commitment to the well-being of people.

The ex-Catholic priest argued that religious institutions often divide people rather than promote genuine spirituality.

He maintained that true faith should focus on a relationship with God rather than doctrinal rigidity.

He also highlighted the growing moral decline among youths in Igboland, linking it to societal influences.

According to him, the modern pursuit of wealth through rituals and unethical means is not exclusive to traditional religion.

He blamed the rise of “miracle money” teachings in some religious circles for promoting unrealistic financial expectations.

The ex-Catholic priest said many religious leaders exploit vulnerable people by promising instant riches through faith.

He argued that both Christianity and traditional religion have doctrines that guide worshippers toward their spiritual goals.

He dismissed the notion that traditional religion is more susceptible to corruption than other faiths.

According to him, individuals, not religious systems, determine the moral standards they uphold.

When asked about magic and voodoo, Dr. Obiagbaosogu described them as misunderstood concepts.

He stated that magic is a universal phenomenon that exists in various religious traditions.

He explained that traditional rainmakers, often labeled as magicians, practice what is essentially a scientific process.

The ex-Catholic priest asserted that magic has been codified into scientific principles by Western scholars.

He argued that ancient religious practices contain valuable knowledge that should not be dismissed as mere superstition.

When questioned about his family’s reaction, Dr. Obiagbaosogu said they supported his decision.

He described their acceptance as surprising, given societal attitudes toward such changes.

According to him, his family gradually understood his reasons and respected his choice.

The ex-Catholic priest noted that some relatives initially hesitated but later gave their full support.

He stressed that his life decisions are personal and not dictated by societal expectations.

He revealed that it took him a long time to reach his final decision to leave the priesthood.

He also confirmed that he officially informed the Catholic Church about his resignation.

According to him, he wrote a letter to his bishop explaining his reasons for stepping down.

He clarified that he was not obligated to notify the Church but chose to do so out of respect.

When asked about his former congregants, the ex-Catholic priest acknowledged their concerns.

He stated that while some people saw him as a role model, his decision was a personal one.

He emphasized that every individual must make choices aligned with their spiritual journey.

Addressing rumors about his marital status, Dr. Obiagbaosogu denied being married while serving as a priest.

He confirmed that he only got married after leaving the priesthood in 2022.

The ex-Catholic priest refrained from discussing details of his marriage, focusing instead on his spiritual transformation.

When asked how long he has practiced traditional religion, he insisted that one cannot time God.

He argued that his worship of God has been continuous, only expressed through different platforms.

Discussing the demand for public holidays for traditional worshippers, Dr. Obiagbaosogu said the issue requires collective action.

He suggested that traditionalists must organize themselves properly before expecting government recognition.

As a university lecturer in African Traditional Religion, he lamented the neglect of African sciences.

He urged students to document African spiritual and cultural practices for future generations.

According to him, failure to preserve traditional knowledge could lead to its extinction.

The ex-Catholic priest criticized the tendency to rely on Western validation for African traditions.

He challenged African scholars to take ownership of their cultural heritage and promote indigenous knowledge systems.

He emphasized that traditional African spirituality, magic, and esoteric practices hold significant value.

Dr. Obiagbaosogu concluded that his transition from Catholic priesthood to traditional religion was a personal journey.

He reiterated that he remains committed to serving humanity, regardless of religious affiliations.

The ex-Catholic priest believes that his new path aligns with his spiritual convictions and personal destiny.

He expressed confidence in his choice and vowed to continue promoting a positive image of traditional religion.

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