A former pastor and founder of the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries in Ondo State, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his decision to leave Christian ministry and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.
Olabanjo made the declaration in a video shared online, introducing himself by a new spiritual name and identifying himself as a Babalawo of Ifá.
“I am Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, who was formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries before, but who is now Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá,” he said.
The former pastor said his spiritual journey eventually led him away from Christianity towards traditional Yoruba religious practice.
He expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders whom he credited with guiding him through the transition, particularly his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.
Olabanjo also criticised Christianity and other religions he described as foreign, while affirming his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
“All these foreign religions are lies, and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the real deal,” he declared.
His announcement has attracted attention online, particularly because of his previous role as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
The development has also renewed discussion about religious conversion, freedom of belief and the place of indigenous African spiritual traditions in contemporary Nigerian society.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe broadly refers to indigenous Yoruba religious and cultural traditions, while Ifá is a major Yoruba system of divination and spiritual practice.
Olabanjo’s declaration marks a significant personal transition from Christian ministry to traditional Yoruba spirituality.
See video below