Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, who spent 17 years as Catholic priest has resigned from his position to follow the path of of African traditional religion.
Currently a lecturer at African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Obiagbaosogu share that his deep interest in traditions African spirituality and the practice of rainmaking led to his decision.
Defending the PhD Dissertation titled: “Remaking and Control in Igbo African Medical”, on Wednesday, he said: “I have come to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion”.
Obiagbaosogu shared that his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his beliefs, noting that his father, a Christian who still valued traditional medicinal practices, and his maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, inspired his appreciation for nature and indigenous knowledge.
He said these early influences sparked his interest in rainmaking, which became the focus of his academic research.
“Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and God. The research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. As a priest, I had the opportunity to work in health sectors, and I understand what health is all about”, he said.
While still a seminary student, he stressed that he witnessed a family friend demonstrate rainmaking, an experience that set him on a path of academic and spiritual exploration.
-9News Nigeria.
