Nollywood actor, director, and producer Ugezu J. Ugezu has publicly declared his departure from Christianity, the religion of his upbringing, in favor of African traditionalism, which he describes as the most suitable path for his life. In a candid discussion on the KAA Truths podcast, Ugezu, originally from Enugu-Ukwu in Anambra State, Nigeria's predominantly Christian South-east, explained that reaching maturity requires deep self-knowledge, a fundamental aspect of philosophy.
Why Ugezu Chose African Traditionalism
Ugezu argued that many individuals live and die without truly understanding themselves, emphasizing the necessity of questioning inherited beliefs and unlearning concepts that hinder an authentic existence. He stated, "Traditionalism is the best way for me. Because maturity entails that you get to know yourself, and that is the whole essence of philosophy: that man should know himself. Now, there are so many people that lived this life, and they died; they didn't invent themselves, they didn't get to know themselves. So by the time you get to know yourself, you will begin to question things, and when you question things, you will stand a chance of redefining some of the things, whether there are things you have learned and need to unlearn, so that you can learn the real thing that you need."
The actor, who recently made headlines after withdrawing financial crime allegations against a former ally of General Sani Abacha, elaborated on his decision: "So I may be a Christian by birth, but I am an African traditionalist as I speak, and I want to remain that way because it is the best way for me; it is the best way in the sense that it doesn't discriminate, it has no greed, it doesn't look down on anybody. It accepts everybody, because that is what godliness is all about."
Public Reactions to Ugezu's Religious Shift
Ugezu's revelation has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media. Commenter Nnaemeka Okoye remarked, "What has Christianity truly done to Africa? An unbiased assessment & answer would explain why Chief Ugezu feels, says & takes a stand, as he does." Another user, Abba's Glorie, countered, "Knowing yourself is important, but your feelings alone do not decide what is true. A belief can feel right and still be wrong. The real question is not, 'Who am I?' or 'What works for me?' but, 'What is true?'" MaZi Ogbonnaya Nnamdi added, "Only the wise will understand."
Broader Context of Religious Declarations in Nigeria
This development follows a trend of Nigerian celebrities publicly redefining their religious affiliations. Previously, singer 9ice declared his parents as his "God," stating they deserve the highest honor in his life. Ugezu's stance adds to ongoing conversations about spirituality and identity in Nigeria, where Christianity and Islam dominate but traditional beliefs persist.
Ugezu's Previous Controversies
Earlier, Ugezu criticized the youth for insulting their parents, noting that such behavior often leads to difficulties in becoming parents themselves. His comments on parenting also sparked online debate. The actor remains a vocal figure in Nollywood, often addressing societal issues through his platform.
