Popular Ondo State pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, former founder of Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, announced on Friday, August 14, 2026, that he had left Christianity and embraced Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, declaring himself a Babalawo of Ifá.

Olabanjo made the announcement in a video shared online, where he explained that a personal spiritual journey had led him away from Christian ministry and towards the traditional Yoruba religious practice.

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The former pastor said he was previously known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries, but now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.

His announcement marks a significant change in religious identity for a man who previously occupied a leadership position within an evangelical Christian ministry.

In the video, Olabanjo expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders who he said guided him through his transition into Ifá practice.

He specifically acknowledged his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ.

Olabanjo also thanked other individuals who supported him during what he described as his spiritual journey, placing particular emphasis on the role of elders and mentorship within Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.

The former pastor presented the change as a deeply personal spiritual decision rather than a temporary departure from his former religious role.

He also took a firm position against Christianity and other religions he described as foreign, declaring his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and presenting the indigenous Yoruba tradition as the authentic spiritual path for him.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media, largely because of Olabanjo’s previous identity as a Christian pastor and the founder of an evangelical ministry.

His transition has also drawn attention to the continuing public discussion around Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, a broad term commonly used to describe indigenous Yoruba religious and cultural traditions.

The tradition encompasses practices, beliefs, rituals and systems of knowledge that predate the arrival of Christianity and Islam in the region.

For Olabanjo, the change represents a personal redefinition of his spiritual identity.

His decision to adopt the title Babalawo also places him within a traditional system in which practitioners undergo learning and mentorship under more experienced spiritual authorities.

The announcement is likely to continue attracting debate, particularly because of the contrast between his former evangelical role and his newly declared commitment to Ifá.

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For now, Olabanjo has made his position clear. The former pastor says he has left Christian ministry and embraced the Yoruba spiritual tradition, taking on a new name and identity as he begins what he describes as the next stage of his spiritual journey.