{
  "id": 900698,
  "title": "Backlash, support as pastor quits Christianity for Isese practice in Ondo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/backlash-support-as-pastor-quits-christianity-for-isese-practice-in-900698",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T18:58:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/backlash-support-as-pastor-quits-christianity-for-isese-practice-in-ondo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Divided public opinion followed Ondo State pastor Olabanjo Felix's unexpected decision to abandon Christianity and adopt Isese practice, an indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition. The former Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries founder revealed his new spiritual identity as a Babalawo in a viral video, expressing gratitude to his spiritual mentor and sons. His controversial statement that foreign religions are deceitful while praising indigenous Yoruba worship sparked debates on religious freedom, cultural identity, and the sincerity of public religious figures. Opinions ranged from questioning personal convictions to supporting his return to ancestral roots, with some speculating about the collapse of his church ministry and congregation.",
  "summary": "An Ondo pastor, Olabanjo Felix, renounces Christianity for Isese practice, sparking debate on religious freedom and cultural identity. com/backlash-support-as-pastor-quits-christianity-for-isese-practice-in-ondo/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Backlash, support as pastor quits Christianity for Isese practice in Ondo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/backlash-support-as-pastor-quits-christianity-for-isese-practice-in",
        "published": "2026-08-14T18:58:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}