Ondo pastor renounces Christianity for Isese practice, sparks public debate
Olabanjo Felix, a pastor from Ondo State and founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, has publicly announced his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Isese, an indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, declaring himself a Babalawo named Ifawamiri Aworanolodumare. In a video, Felix expressed gratitude to his new spiritual mentor, the Araba of Isararemọ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji Aifuwapẹ, and controversially stated that foreign religions are deceitful while indigenous Yoruba worship is superior. His transition has ignited widespread debate on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, focusing on religious freedom, cultural identity, and the authenticity of religious figures. While some users questioned his change in conviction, others supported his return to indigenous roots. Commentators on Facebook speculated about financial motivations, while Instagram users humorously suggested he may have secretly practiced Isese all along. This public conversion highlights the complex interplay between indigenous African spirituality and conventional religions in Nigeria, a topic previously explored by Professor Olusola Ajibade, who noted Isese's influence on Christian and Muslim worship styles in Yoruba land.
