Owobo Ogunde, son of the late Nigerian theatre legend and founder Hubert Ogunde, has reflected on his family’s religious journey, revealing that both of his parents were Christians at the time of their deaths despite his father’s traditional religious background.
Speaking in remarks reported by the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, July 24, 2026, Owobo Ogunde explained that his father, Hubert Ogunde, was raised in a traditional setting where he received extensive education in the philosophy, knowledge, and practices of the Babalawo, also known as Ifa priests.
According to Owobo, his father was once a Babalawo before later embracing Christianity after years of studying traditional religious teachings.
He said that by the time Hubert Ogunde died, he had become a committed Crossbearer in the Grail Movement and regularly visited Grailland in Iju as part of his religious activities.
Owobo also spoke about his own faith journey, noting that he frequently visits Grailland and was previously a member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
He emphasized that both his father and mother identified as Christians before their passing.
“They were both Christians,” Owobo said.
He added, “As is well-known in historical accounts, my father was educated in the philosophy, knowledge, and practices of the Babalawo (Ifa priests) while growing up in a traditional dwelling. He had become a devoted Crossbearer by the time he died.”
Hubert Ogunde is widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s pioneering figures in theatre, and his legacy continues through members of his family, including Owobo, who has remained active in preserving and sharing aspects of the celebrated dramatist’s life and history.
In addition to discussing his father’s religious transformation, Owobo has previously spoken about his own early involvement in the family theatre tradition, revealing that he left school while in Form 3 at the age of 14 to join his father’s theatre company, a decision that shaped his lifelong career in the performing arts.
