An Ondo State-based former pastor, Olabanjo Felix, has explained his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Isese, an indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, which eventually led him to become an Ifa priest.
Felix, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH, said his decision was driven largely by what he described as widespread deceit within Christianity. He also alleged that some Christian pastors in Nigeria had transformed the religion into personal and family businesses.
The former cleric, who previously founded the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries in Ibaka, Oka Akoko area of Ondo State, said he gradually became disillusioned with the faith due to what he perceived as the manipulation and brainwashing of Christians by some religious leaders.
Felix said his search for an Ifa mentor eventually led him to the Araba of Isararemọ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji Aifuwapẹ, whom he discovered on Facebook. He explained that he subsequently contacted him and expressed his interest in studying Ifa.
He also rejected the notion that Yoruba traditional religion was synonymous with fetishism, maintaining that his practice centred on prayers, supplications, and the use of herbs and roots.
“I found Araba of Isararemọ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji Aifuwapẹ and I told him of my intention to learn Ifa. And since I joined him, I have never engaged in any fetish act. We have only been praying and doing supplications,” he said.
According to Felix, the centre has also attracted foreigners and other visitors from various parts of the world who come to gain knowledge about Ifa and its practices.
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