Yul Edochie Sparks Debate with Claims about Nigerian Pastors and Native Doctors

Controversial Nollywood actor and self-proclaimed cleric, Yul Edochie, has stirred conversations online with his recent remarks about Nigerian pastors and their calling. According to Edochie, many Nigerian pastors are ignoring their divine calling to become native doctors due to societal stigma and cultural misconceptions.

In a thought-provoking Instagram post, Edochie argued that Western influence and Nollywood portrayals have unfairly demonized native doctors, steering many clerics away from what he believes is their true spiritual path.

“Many pastors today actually have the calling to be native doctors, but they are refusing to answer the call because oyibo people brainwashed us to believe it is evil. And Nollywood has also contributed in making native doctors look evil,” Edochie wrote.

The actor went further to describe the role of native doctors as a divine calling, highlighting their purpose in serving humanity. He pointed out that, like pastors, native doctors have the choice to embrace good or evil.

“A true native doctor fights evil unless he decides to be evil, same way a pastor can decide to be evil,” he added. “Go and answer your call. You may never have fulfillment in your life if you don’t answer your call.”

Opinion: A Bold but Divisive Assertion

Edochie’s comments strike at the heart of cultural and religious debates in Nigeria. His perspective challenges entrenched beliefs about native doctors, a role that has historically been an integral part of African traditions but is now largely viewed with suspicion and disdain due to colonial and religious influences.

While his assertion may resonate with those who champion the preservation of African traditions, it is bound to ruffle feathers among conservative Christians and critics who see his comments as inflammatory or misleading.

Edochie raises valid points about societal conditioning and the Westernization of African spiritual practices. Nollywood’s portrayal of native doctors often leans heavily on stereotypes, painting them as malevolent figures, which arguably contributes to the stigmatization of indigenous spiritual roles.

However, his call for pastors to abandon Christianity for native doctor roles might be seen as overly simplistic and dismissive of personal faith journeys. Not every pastor struggling with their role necessarily has a "calling" to be a native doctor, and many genuinely feel fulfilled within their Christian ministry.

Edochie’s remarks also open up a broader discussion on the role of Nollywood in shaping perceptions. Should the film industry rethink its depiction of traditional African spirituality? And how can it strike a balance between dramatic storytelling and cultural sensitivity?

While his statement is undeniably polarizing, it reignites an important conversation about identity, tradition, and the evolving role of spirituality in modern Nigerian society. Whether or not one agrees with Edochie, his views challenge us to reflect on how we perceive and value our indigenous heritage.