Popular Nollywood actor and controversial media personality, Yul Edochie, is once again at the center of a heated public backlash after making bold spiritual claims about African deities. His remarks, which challenge conventional religious beliefs in Nigeria, have ignited fierce debate on social media, with many accusing him of misleading his fans and distorting cultural heritage.
The uproar began after Yul took to Instagram on Friday, July 4, to declare that African deities are not evil, but rather “peaceful unless provoked.” In his words:
“The gods are not evil. They do not kill unless you offend them. You hear someone say, ‘He entered shrine and died.’ Ask what the person went to do at the shrine.”
He further claimed that shrines and deities, often demonized in Christian doctrine, have been misunderstood due to colonial indoctrination and modern misrepresentation. Yul insisted that African traditional spirituality is as valid and powerful as any organized religion.
Yul’s post, though not entirely new in its theme, reignited controversy because of his growing reputation as a self-styled prophet. Many Nigerians, particularly Christians, expressed outrage over what they called “dangerous theological confusion.”
One Instagram user commented:
“Yul, you need to make up your mind. Today you’re a prophet, tomorrow you’re defending shrines. This is spiritual confusion!”
Another follower wrote:
“This is why people no longer take you seriously. Stop misleading the youth.”
However, some traditionalist supporters praised his boldness, saying he is “shedding light on the spiritual suppression of African heritage.” A user on X (formerly Twitter) noted:
“Yul Edochie is not wrong. Christianity vilified our culture. We need more people like him to speak the truth.”
This is not the first time Yul Edochie has drawn criticism for his evolving spiritual stance. Earlier in January 2025, he declared himself a “hardcore traditionalist,” while also claiming divine anointing to spread God’s word. In June, he launched his controversial ministry, the True Salvation Ministry, where he combined elements of Christianity with traditional Igbo beliefs.
In an earlier post, he argued:
“Being a Christian and a traditionalist doesn’t mean you’re serving two gods. It means you’re serving the same God in two different ways.”
This dual allegiance has confused and infuriated many of his followers, with religious leaders warning that such syncretism could mislead young Nigerians who look up to celebrities for guidance.
Yul Edochie’s statements raise broader questions about the growing resurgence of African traditional spirituality and its place in modern society. Some analysts believe that Yul is intentionally pushing the boundaries of religious identity in Nigeria, where Christianity and Islam dominate the cultural landscape.
Media analyst Chika Onyekwere told Entertainment Pulse:
“Yul knows how to stir conversations. He’s leveraging religious identity as a tool for personal branding. Whether it’s sincere or theatrical is debatable, but he’s certainly getting people to pay attention.”
Despite the backlash, Yul appears undeterred. He has hinted at an upcoming sermon series where he plans to “educate Nigerians on the truth behind African spirituality.” His critics remain skeptical, accusing him of exploiting faith for clout and social media engagement.
As the debate rages, one thing remains clear—Yul Edochie is not stepping away from the spotlight anytime soon. Whether as a cultural reformer or an attention-seeking provocateur, he has once again positioned himself at the center of Nigeria’s most sensitive conversations.