Former Pastor Announces Switch From Christianity to Ifa Worship

Former pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold has announced his decision to embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and become a Babalawo of Ifa.

Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, has announced his decision to leave Christianity and embrace Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the traditional Yoruba spiritual practice.

In a video circulating online, Gold said he now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare and described himself as a Babalawo of Ifa.

He introduced himself by his former name before explaining that he had undergone a spiritual transition.

“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 also acknowledged the role of his spiritual mentor, Baba Aifuwapẹ Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ. He thanked him and others who supported him during the transition.

Gold went further to criticise foreign religions, declaring his belief that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe represents the authentic spiritual path.

“I want to use this time to tell you that all these foreign religions are lies and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the real deal,” he said.

His announcement has since generated reactions online, with Nigerians expressing different opinions about his decision to leave Christianity and embrace traditional Yoruba spirituality.

While some questioned his decision, others viewed the development as part of a wider conversation about Africans reconnecting with indigenous religious and cultural practices.

Gold’s transition also comes at a time when Ìṣẹ̀ṣe has continued to attract renewed interest among some Nigerians, particularly those seeking to reconnect with traditional Yoruba beliefs, customs and spirituality.

The former cleric’s announcement has therefore sparked a fresh debate about religious identity, personal conviction and the place of indigenous belief systems in modern Nigerian society.