Controversial Nollywood actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie has sparked a debate by claiming that Africans are abandoning their traditional religion out of fear of public judgment.
In a passionate post shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Edochie described the act of leaving traditional beliefs as an abomination and expressed his strong support and loyalty to the African spiritual practices of his forefathers.
Gists9ja reports that Edochie argued that traditional African religion is rooted in truth, transparency, and fairness, and declared himself a hardcore traditionalist. He added that he would never turn his back on the values passed down from generations.
“Because of fear of what people will say, Africans are running away from their powerful African religion, their originality. Abomination!!! I will NEVER abandon the ways of my forefathers. It is built on truth, transparency, and fairness. I’m a Hardcore Traditionalist,” Edochie wrote, sharing a picture of himself dressed in Igbo white attire.
In his post, he also honored himself with traditional Igbo titles, including ISI MMILI JI OFOR, EZEDIKE 1, ALUSI NA EJE UKA, and OKALA MMADU OKALA MMUO, which he translates as The King of Warriors.
This latest statement follows Edochie’s earlier declaration in 2024, where he stated that he had been called by God to pastor an online church, blending his passion for spirituality with his public platform.
In a separate Instagram post on Thursday, Edochie raised concerns about the alarming number of premature deaths in recent years, particularly among young people in their twenties, thirties, and forties. He attributed these untimely deaths to people’s negligence and their choice to abandon traditional ways in favor of foreign worship.
Edochie went on to claim that the spirits that once protected many individuals had departed angrily due to being relegated in favor of other belief systems. He called on everyone to return to their pure and powerful traditions to regain the protection and guidance of their ancestral spirits.
Conclusion
Yul Edochie’s recent statements highlight his deep commitment to traditional African religion and his belief in its power and importance for the future of African societies. His outspoken views on the matter, combined with his ongoing efforts in the spiritual and entertainment realms, continue to attract both support and criticism across Nigeria.
