Two days ago, I came across a video that left me absolutely shocked and that’s honestly an understatement. In it, two well-known men; loved by many, respected in the community, and admired by countless women openly and boldly declared that they are Babalawos.
For those who may not know, a Babalawo is a high priest in the Yoruba religion, specifically within the Ifá spiritual system. Originating from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, this system is still widely practiced across West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas (particularly Cuba and Brazil).
A Babalawo serves as a spiritual guide and diviner, interpreting the messages of Orunmila, the deity of wisdom and divination. Becoming one requires deep spiritual initiation and lifelong commitment. These priests perform rituals including animal (and in some cases, historically even human) sacrifices for protection, healing, and spiritual guidance.
What disturbed me even more than the content of the video was the comment section. Many people rushed to defend them, saying things like, “Africans were always spiritual before Christianity,” or that Christianity was a religion forced on us by the white man. That argument might sound intellectual, but it’s not.
First of all, let’s be clear! Christianity is not a white man’s religion. Jesus wasn’t European. The early church had African roots (Acts 8 and the Ethiopian eunuch). Christianity was in Africa long before colonialism. Please do your research before repeating lazy narratives.
Secondly, even if something is “cultural,” that doesn’t automatically make it good or godly. Once upon a time, child marriage, domestic abuse, and genital mutilation were culturally accepted too. Today, we condemn those practices because we’ve come into greater understanding.
So why, as Christians, are we still holding onto idolatry, communicating with foreign spirits, performing sacrifices, and calling it “heritage”? Yes, we all know every culture has its own traditions, deities, norms, and legends but culture is not an excuse for spiritual compromise.
Paul couldn’t have made it clearer in 1 Corinthians 10:20:
“The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.”
Another concerning thing is the fact that millions of women adore these men. To some, they’re the ideal men; admired for their art, their talent, their passion. Many even call them “husband” online, completely unaware of the spiritual baggage they are carrying.
While some are fighting hard to break generational curses caused by this very kind of spiritual bondage, others are embracing it like it’s trendy or empowering.
We need to wake up and discern!! Not everyone you meet is ordinary and we ourselves are not ordinary. We are spirit beings, and we cannot continue to live only by what we see with our physical eyes. The spiritual realm is real, and many are walking blindly into bondage through admiration, entertainment, and influence.
Stop giving your soul away just because someone is famous, talented, or charming!
Don’t make anyone your idol. No matter how much you admire their work, their discipline, or their personality. Stay focused. Be vigilant. Guard your spirit.
And above all, I pray for God’s protection over our lives, that we may walk in truth, freedom, and discernment in these times.
Stay blessed x
