NIGERIA – The spiritual leader of the Igbo people, Ogilisi Igbo, has called on Catholic bishops in Nigeria to impose strict sanctions on priests involved in exorcism theatrics, spiritual manipulation, and what he described as “evangelical brigandage,” warning that such practices undermine the integrity of the Catholic Church.
His appeal comes shortly after Nigerian bishops concluded their ad limina apostolorum visit to Rome, a periodic meeting during which bishops report to the Vatican and consult with the Pope about the state of the Church in their dioceses.
In a statement addressed to the Catholic hierarchy, Ogilisi Igbo argued that many priests have drifted from their ordination vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, as well as from the theological and pastoral guidelines set out by the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which addressed the Church’s engagement with the contemporary world.
According to him, the council’s documents clearly warned clergy against mixing the Christian faith with superstition, magic, or non-Christian ritual systems.
“The council emphasized that priests must avoid practices that resemble magic, divination, or ritual power in the name of evangelism,” he said. “Activities associated with spiritual manipulation or occult practices—including forms linked to voodoo or witchcraft—are incompatible with Catholic teaching.”
He also criticized what he described as a growing culture of independent ministries run by Catholic priests outside proper diocesan oversight. Such ministries, he said, sometimes stage healings, make prophetic claims that contradict Church teaching, or employ emotionally charged preaching techniques to attract followers.
“Evangelization must never resemble ritual magic, occultism, or syncretistic religious practice,” he said. “The council made it clear that priests are called to preach, teach, and administer the sacraments—not to perform spiritual spectacle and sensational displays of spiritual power.”
“Priests take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience,” he said. “Yet some now present themselves as miracle-workers or spiritual power brokers. Ministry should point to Christ and the sacraments—not to personal charisma or claims of supernatural authority.”
Ogilisi Igbo expressed concern that, despite guidance from both the First Vatican Council and the Second Vatican Council, some priests are distorting the message of Christianity for financial gain or personal recognition.
Beyond concerns about questionable evangelization practices, Ogilisi Igbo warned of a surge in impersonators presenting themselves as Catholic clergy. He said fake priests, self-styled “reverend brothers,” and unauthorized religious congregations are increasingly appearing across parts of Nigeria.
“In the Catholic Church, priesthood is not self-appointed,” he said. “A man becomes a priest only after years of formation in a seminary and valid ordination by a bishop in communion with the Pope. Yet some individuals have been seen wearing clerical collars, celebrating Mass, administering sacraments, and even establishing fake parishes despite lacking legitimate ordination or ecclesiastical approval. Others create unauthorized congregations, recruit members, and solicit donations while claiming special spiritual authority.
Ogilisi Igbo urged bishops to take stronger disciplinary action against priests who violate their vows of Chastity, Obedience and Poverty. He also cited cases in which clergy allegedly converted property entrusted to them into personal assets or became involved in legal disputes over the Last Wills of deceased parishioners.
He called on Church authorities to dismiss priests found guilty of such abuses and to strengthen oversight of ministries operating within their dioceses.
“Safeguarding the credibility of the Church requires accountability,” he said, “and a clear return to the mission defined by the Gospel.”
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