Veteran Nollywood filmmaker and actor Ugezu J. Ugezu has revealed that he no longer identifies with Christianity, stating that he has embraced African traditional spirituality as his preferred belief system.
Speaking during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast, the Enugu-Ukwu-born entertainer from Anambra State explained that his decision was influenced by a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
According to Ugezu, true maturity comes from understanding one’s identity and purpose. He noted that philosophy teaches the importance of knowing oneself, adding that many individuals go through life without ever reaching that level of self-awareness.
The actor stressed the need for people to examine long-held beliefs, especially those inherited from birth, and to let go of ideas that no longer align with their personal convictions.
Ugezu further stated that African traditionalism appealed to him because of its inclusive nature, saying he found it to be a belief system that does not discriminate against anyone.
The filmmaker, who recently attracted public attention after retracting allegations of financial misconduct involving an associate of former military ruler Sani Abacha, maintained that his spiritual choice reflects what he believes is the most authentic path for his life.
“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.
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,” he said.
Read some comments below
@Nnaemeka Okoye commented:”What has Christianity truly done to Africa? An unbiased assessment & answer would explain why Chief Ugezu feels, says & takes a stand, as he does..”
@Abba’s Glorie reacted:”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 commented:”Only the wise will understand.”