Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, has announced his conversion from Christianity to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the traditional Yoruba spiritual and religious practice.
In a video circulating online, Olabanjo introduced himself by his new spiritual identity, saying he is now known as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, a Babalawo of Ifá.
He expressed gratitude to Ifá and acknowledged the spiritual elders whom he said guided and supported him throughout his journey into the traditional faith.
“I am Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, who was formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but who is now Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá,” he said.
The former pastor also paid tribute to his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, identified as Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he described as the Araba of Isararemọ.
“I want to use this time to thank my father, my Oluwo, my father, Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, who is the Araba of Isararemọ,” he stated.
Olabanjo further thanked individuals he said stood by him during his spiritual transition and emphasised what he described as the importance of elders in traditional spiritual practice.
He also made a strong declaration about his new religious position, stating that he no longer believes foreign religions represent the truth and that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the authentic spiritual path.
“I want to use this time to tell you that all these foreign religions are not the truth and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the real deal,” he said.
His announcement has generated reactions online, particularly because of his previous position as a Christian pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry.
The development has also renewed discussions about religious identity, traditional African spirituality and the growing interest among some Africans in reconnecting with indigenous belief systems.
Olabanjo’s announcement represents a significant personal and spiritual transition, from Christian ministry to the practice of Ifá and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
