Popular Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has sparked controversy with a statement suggesting that many pastors are actually called to be native doctors but refuse to accept their “divine” calling.
In a post shared on his social media page on Friday, Edochie claimed that these pastors have been conditioned to view native doctors as evil, a perception he believes is rooted in colonial influence and perpetuated by Nollywood.
According to Edochie, the negative portrayal of native doctors as malevolent figures in films has contributed to a widespread misunderstanding about their role in society. He argued that being a native doctor, or Dibia, is a divine calling from God, one that involves helping humanity. He further emphasized that a true native doctor, like a pastor, is meant to fight evil unless they choose to deviate from that path.
Edochie stated, “Many pastors today actually have the calling to be native doctors (Dibia) but they are refusing the call because Oyibo people brainwashed us to believe it is evil. And Nollywood has also contributed in making native doctors look evil.”
He went on to suggest that pastors who are meant to be native doctors will never find true fulfillment in life until they embrace their original vocation. “Go and answer your call. You may never have fulfillment in your life if you don’t answer your call,” Edochie wrote.
The actor’s remarks have ignited a debate, with many questioning his views on religion and spirituality. While some have supported his perspective on the need to challenge cultural biases, others have criticized his statement as controversial and divisive.
