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.

Makinde Marks Final Hijrah Celebration as Oyo Governor, Prays for Peaceful Successor

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has marked the Hijrah 1448 celebration with Muslim faithful in the state, using the occasion to reflect on religious unity and pray for a peaceful transition of power.

Makinde, who spoke during the celebration on the first day of his annual leave, said his administration had successfully resisted attempts to divide Oyo State along religious lines throughout its time in office.

The governor expressed appreciation to Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and residents who do not identify with any religion for their support in maintaining peace and unity across the state.

According to Makinde, efforts to create religious divisions among the people of Oyo State failed because residents refused to allow differences in faith to undermine their shared identity and interests.

“It was my pleasure to meet with our Muslim brothers and sisters to mark Hijrah 1448/2026 on the first day of my annual leave,” the governor said.

He added that the support received from people across different religious backgrounds had contributed significantly to the stability enjoyed by the state under his administration.

“Throughout our time in office, all attempts to divide our dear State along religious lines failed. And this was because of the support from Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and those who do not adhere to any faith in Oyo State. We remain eternally grateful for this,” he said.

The Hijrah celebration marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the significance of migration, sacrifice, faith and community.

For Makinde, the occasion also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the political transition that will follow the end of his administration.

The governor acknowledged that the 1448 Hijrah celebration would be his final one as governor of Oyo State.

“As this is my last Hijrah celebration as governor, I wished everyone a prosperous and peaceful year,” he said.

Makinde also prayed for the administration that will succeed his government, expressing hope that the next government would maintain peace and make decisions based on the interests of Oyo State residents.

“I also prayed that the government which succeeds us will be a peaceful one; a government where decisions will be taken in the best interests of the good people of Oyo State,” the governor added.

His remarks come as Oyo State gradually approaches another phase of political transition, with attention expected to shift toward the process of selecting a successor to the incumbent governor.

Makinde’s administration has repeatedly emphasised religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the different communities and faith groups in the state.

The governor’s message at the Hijrah celebration therefore placed particular emphasis on unity, rather than religious differences, as he reflected on his years in office.

Oyo State is home to residents from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers. Makinde’s comments suggest that maintaining peaceful relations among these groups remains one of the issues he considers important as his tenure draws closer to its conclusion.

The governor’s prayer for his successor also highlights the importance of continuity beyond individual political administrations.

Rather than focusing solely on who succeeds him, Makinde called for a government that would prioritise the welfare and interests of the people of Oyo State.

His message also comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the next governorship election cycle, when residents will determine who takes over the leadership of the state.

As Makinde marks his final Hijrah celebration as governor, his message was ultimately one of gratitude to residents who supported religious harmony during his administration and hope that the next government will preserve peace and put the interests of the people first.

Pastor Sarah Omakwu Sparks Debate, Says Men Marrying Older Women Is a ‘Red Flag’

Senior pastor and relationship counsellor, Sarah Omakwu, has stirred widespread debate on social media after expressing her opinion that relationships in which a man marries a woman older than himself should be considered a “red flag.”

Speaking during a church teaching that has since gone viral online, the cleric argued that many younger men underestimate the challenges that may arise in marriages where the wife is older, particularly in today’s society.

According to Omakwu, while such unions may have worked in previous generations, changing attitudes and expectations in modern relationships make them more difficult to sustain.

“Some young men these days marry women that are older than them. That is a red flag,” she said.

The pastor acknowledged that some people often point to their parents or older relatives as examples of successful marriages where the woman was older. However, she maintained that societal realities have changed.

“You’ll say, ‘My parents did it.’ That was that generation when women were patient. This generation is different,” she stated.

She further questioned whether younger men who struggle to relate with women in their own age group would be better equipped to build lasting relationships with older spouses.

“You’ll say your age mates are too childish. How did you manage the relationship with someone older than you before deciding to marry one?” she asked.

Omakwu also suggested that differences in age could sometimes create tension over issues such as respect and authority within marriage.

She argued that younger husbands who frequently demand respect from wives older than them may eventually face avoidable conflicts.

“Every day you keep saying, ‘You better respect me.’ Why? Is it not okay for someone older than you to be respected as well?” she remarked.

Anticipating criticism over her comments, the pastor insisted she was merely sharing a personal opinion rather than laying down a universal rule for marriage.

“Anyway, it’s my opinion. Do whatever you want with it. If you like, nail me on the internet, I don’t care. You can only nail me on the internet; you cannot nail me on the cross because you won’t find me to nail me,” she said.

The remarks have generated mixed reactions online.

While some social media users agreed with her perspective, arguing that age differences can present unique challenges in marriage, others strongly disagreed, insisting that compatibility, maturity, communication and mutual respect matter far more than age.

Relationship experts have often maintained that successful marriages depend on factors such as trust, emotional intelligence, shared values and commitment rather than the age of either partner alone.

The viral discussion has once again reignited conversations around age differences in marriage and whether societal perceptions should influence personal relationship choices.

Video: https://x.com/shemariahmedia/status/2085282391816356123?s=46

Catholic Bishops Tell Tinubu the Truth, Politicians May Lie to Him - Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has defended the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing the bishops as the “conscience of the country” whose responsibility is to speak truth to those in authority.

Speaking during a television interview, the former Abia State governor said the bishops’ observations about the state of the nation should not be interpreted as an attack on the President but as sincere advice intended to strengthen governance.

“To me, the Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country, and once they give advice, their advice is not for or against anybody,” Kalu said.

According to him, the bishops exist to tell leaders what they believe is right, regardless of whether their message is pleasant or uncomfortable.

“Their advice is for any sitting president or leader to see things the way they should be,” he added.

Kalu acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face economic challenges but argued that many of the country’s problems did not begin under President Tinubu’s administration.

He maintained that while the government has made progress in stabilising aspects of the economy, ordinary Nigerians are still experiencing hardship.

“The difficulties in Nigeria are not new, and they are not entirely the fault of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The senator said he fully supported the bishops’ visit, insisting that constructive criticism should encourage the President to improve governance rather than create unnecessary controversy.

“I support the visit of the Catholic Bishops. It should encourage the President to work harder because they are simply telling him the truth,” Kalu stated.

He added that unlike politicians, who may sometimes present overly optimistic reports to those in power, Catholic bishops are guided by moral responsibility.

“Even if we politicians are lying to him that certain things are good, the Catholic Bishops can never say that. That is why they are Catholic Bishops,” he said.

Kalu also corrected what he described as a widespread misconception about the leadership of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

He noted that Cardinal John Onaiyekan, whose comments after the meeting generated public debate, is not the current President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

“I want to correct one thing. Cardinal Onaiyekan is not the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and people are making that mistake,” he said.

According to Kalu, any disagreement arising from the bishops’ remarks should not be viewed as a conflict between the Church and the Presidency but as an opportunity for reflection.

He urged government officials and political leaders to carefully study the concerns raised by the bishops and use them to improve governance.

“It is left for us who work with President Tinubu to go back, analyse what they said and come out with solutions that will make Nigerians proud,” he added.

Kalu’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the bishops’ assessment of Nigeria’s economic situation and the Presidency’s response to comments made by Cardinal Onaiyekan following the meeting.

‘Catholic Priests Are Not Your Fake Bishops’ — Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Attack on Cardinal Onaiyekan

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised the Presidency over its response to comments made by Catholic cleric John Cardinal Onaiyekan, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism and uncomfortable with honest feedback.

In a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency chose to attack respected religious leaders instead of reflecting on the issues they raised about the state of the nation.

The latest exchange followed a recent meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where the President defended his administration’s economic reforms, security efforts and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the meeting, President Tinubu maintained that his administration had stabilised Nigeria’s economy and insisted that prosperity was on the horizon. He also rejected claims that democratic institutions were under threat, assuring the bishops that the electoral process would remain credible ahead of future elections.

However, speaking during a television interview days after the meeting, Cardinal Onaiyekan disclosed that the Catholic bishops presented a different assessment of the country’s condition to the President.

According to the Cardinal, the bishops told President Tinubu that Nigeria was “bleeding” and that many citizens were struggling under worsening economic hardship, insecurity and rising poverty.

Onaiyekan also revealed that the President and some members of his delegation appeared visibly unhappy with the bishops’ presentation.

“It was a different speech from what the President usually listens to,” the Cardinal said, adding that the Catholic bishops considered it their moral responsibility to speak truthfully about the realities confronting Nigerians.

His remarks triggered a sharp reaction from the Presidency, which accused the Catholic Church and Cardinal Onaiyekan of allegedly working in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The Presidency’s response generated widespread debate, with critics arguing that religious leaders should be free to express concerns on national issues without being accused of partisan politics.

Reacting to the development, Atiku said the Presidency’s response reflected a dangerous intolerance for dissent and constructive criticism.

According to him, instead of responding to the substance of the bishops’ concerns, government officials chose to question the motives of respected religious leaders.

Atiku argued that Catholic bishops have a long-standing tradition of independence and moral courage, insisting they cannot be compared to what he described as politically compromised clerics.

“Catholic priests are not like your ‘fake bishops’,” Atiku declared, suggesting that the Tinubu administration had become accustomed to receiving praise from religious figures willing to support government narratives regardless of prevailing realities.

He further alleged that the Presidency’s reaction exposed an administration that had become uncomfortable with voices challenging its policies and performance.

The former Vice President also warned against attempts to politicise religious institutions, stressing that faith leaders have a constitutional and moral obligation to speak on issues affecting justice, governance and the welfare of citizens.

According to Atiku, criticism from religious leaders should serve as an opportunity for reflection rather than confrontation.

He maintained that democratic governments must tolerate opposing views and remain open to honest advice from institutions that command public respect and moral authority.

The exchange comes at a time when political tensions are gradually building ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying criticism of the Federal Government over economic conditions, insecurity and governance.

It also highlights the increasingly active role of religious organisations in national conversations on public policy, accountability and democratic governance.

While the Presidency insists its reforms are beginning to yield positive results, opposition figures and several civil society organisations continue to argue that millions of Nigerians are yet to experience meaningful economic relief.

The disagreement between the Tinubu administration and the Catholic Church has therefore become another flashpoint in the broader debate over Nigeria’s direction, with both sides maintaining sharply contrasting views on the country’s current realities.

Tinubu: Nigeria Has Recovered from Bankruptcy, Prosperity Is on the Horizon

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration has stabilised the country and placed it on the path to prosperity, declaring that the economy has recovered from the threat of bankruptcy inherited at the beginning of his tenure.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting attended by 19 Catholic bishops, President Tinubu said his administration had made significant progress in restoring economic stability despite the challenges it inherited.

“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered,” the President said.

“The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed. The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.”

“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.” He added.

Tinubu Vows to Defeat Terrorism

On security, the President assured the bishops that his administration was restructuring the nation’s security architecture to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping more effectively.

According to him, government efforts include enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, improved logistics and better welfare for military personnel.

“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism,” he said.

Tinubu also urged religious leaders to continue preaching against violence and support efforts aimed at restoring peace across the country.

Education, NELFUND and ASUU

President Tinubu highlighted improvements in the education sector, pointing to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? For me, that’s answered prayer,” he said.

He also noted that the Federal Government had approved more universities to accommodate the growing number of students seeking higher education.

2027 Elections

Addressing concerns about the 2027 general elections, Tinubu insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains neutral and committed to conducting credible elections.

“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” the President stated.

Catholic Bishops Raise Concerns

Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, commended the President for strengthening diplomatic ties with the Vatican but expressed concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality education and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The bishops also appealed to the President to consider returning mission schools to their original owners and ensure fairness in the provision of worship centres across the country.

Archbishop Ndagoso further urged President Tinubu to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027, describing the strengthening of democratic institutions as a legacy worthy of his administration.

The meeting was attended by several prominent Catholic leaders, including Cardinals John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Archbishop Alfred Martins, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin and other senior clerics.