So Many Nigerian pastors are Called to be Dibia (Native Doctors) – Yul Edochie Sparks Controversy
Yul Edochie, a Nollywood actor and self-acclaimed pastor, has stirred up a massive debate on social media this evening after making a bold claim about Nigerian pastors and their spiritual callings. The actor, known as the son of the veteran Chief Pete Edochie, MON, EX-Husband of May Edochie, and now the controversial recently took to his Facebook page to suggest that many Nigerian pastors are actually called to be native doctors, or “Dibia,” but refuse to embrace this calling due to Western influence and negative portrayals in the media.
“Many pastors today actually have the calling to be Native doctors (Dibia) but they are refusing to answer the call bcos Oyibo people brainwashed us to believe it is evil. And Nollywood has also contributed in making Native doctors look evil,” Yul wrote on his Facebook page.
He continued, “Being a native doctor is a divine call from God Almighty, it means you have been chosen to help humanity. A true native doctor fights evil. Unless he decides to be evil. Same way a pastor can decide to be evil. Go and answer your call. You may never have fulfillment in your life if you don’t answer your call.”
Unsurprisingly, His statement has predictably generated a lot of reactions across social media platforms. While some support his view, agreeing that native doctors are often misunderstood and unfairly vilified, others have criticized him for what they perceive as a disrespectful attack on pastors and Christianity. Critics argue that Edochie’s statement undermines the role of pastors in society and trivializes the importance of the Christian faith.
Historically, native doctors have been regarded with suspicion and fear due to their association with occultism and witchcraft. These views have often been perpetuated by religious institutions and Western cultures, who have associated indigenous practices with superstition and evil.
However, Edochie challenges this narrative, suggesting that many of these traditional healers and spiritual leaders are actually fulfilling a divine purpose. According to the actor, the negative portrayal of native doctors as evil figures in popular culture, particularly in Nollywood, is a result of colonial influence that sought to demonize indigenous African religions. This portrayal has led many pastors to shy away from their supposed calling, he claims.
The actor further emphasized that pastors and native doctors both share a common goal: to fight evil and help their communities. The only difference, He said, is the way they go about it. While a pastor may use prayer and scripture, a native doctor may rely on traditional spiritual practices.
From his post and response, he believes that both have a purpose in helping people, and neither should be demonized for their chosen path.