Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has certainly made waves in the public eye in recent years, not only for his acting career but also for his personal life and evolving spiritual beliefs. Since launching his online church in January 2024 and declaring himself a “hardcore traditionalist” in 2025, Edochie has sparked controversy, raising questions about the authenticity of his transformations.
A New Calling: Becoming a Pastor
In January 2024, Yul Edochie transitioned from Nollywood actor to pastor by founding True Salvation Ministry (TSM), an online church. He explained that his calling to serve as a minister was divinely orchestrated, something he came to realise after initially resisting the idea. At the time, Edochie was enjoying a successful acting career and thriving in Nollywood. Despite this, he began to hear a voice urging him to embrace the path of ministry. In a recent interview, he shared that people had predicted his future as a preacher back in 2012-2013, but he didn’t believe it at the time.
He said: “First of all, becoming a pastor is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Serving God and being able to tell people about Him are wonderful and bring me a peace I never had before.”
Edochie made it clear that his decision to become a pastor was not motivated by financial gain. He claimed that he already had a fulfilling life, with a home, children, and various businesses, including acting and real estate. He emphasised that his calling was not about money but about fulfilling God’s purpose.
“I’m not doing ministry work to make money from it, even though some people might, perhaps because they don’t have money,” he said. “But I’ve done everything in life—I have a house, I’m raising my children, acting, doing real estate, and I’m okay.”
Controversial Sermons and Views
Throughout his online ministry, Edochie has made several statements that have attracted attention and debate. One of his most controversial sermons in July 2024 condemned men who engage in infidelity, stating that such actions damage their spiritual well-being. He emphasised that cheating on one’s wife weakens a man’s spiritual connection with God.
However, his own personal life has added fuel to the controversy. Edochie, who has been publicly involved in two marriages, has been at the centre of media scrutiny due to his relationship with his second wife, Judy. His infidelity to his first wife, May Edochie, with whom he shares children, is widely known, yet he continues to preach about the moral and spiritual dangers of cheating. This apparent contradiction has led many to question the integrity of his preaching, as his personal life appears to conflict with the very principles he is trying to impart to his followers.
When Yul spoke out against infidelity, claiming that it damaged men spiritually, his critics quickly pointed to his own marriage struggles as proof that his actions did not align with his words. Many pointed out that a preacher who advocates for moral behaviour should lead by example, and Yul’s ongoing marital drama seemed to undermine the credibility of his messages.
“I don’t see anything wrong with a man of God drinking alcohol,” he said. “But I do have a problem with drinking to the point of getting drunk, which can lead to actions they’ll later regret.”
The Traditionalist Declaration
In late January 2025, Edochie made yet another bold declaration on his Instagram page, this time aligning himself with African traditional spirituality. The actor, who had previously preached about Christianity, stated that he was a “hardcore traditionalist,” advocating for African traditions and indigenous religion. Dressed in traditional attire, Edochie shared his belief that many Africans had distanced themselves from their heritage out of fear of judgment.
“Because of fear of what people will say, Africans are running away from their powerful African religion, their originality. Abomination!!!” he wrote. “I will NEVER abandon the ways of my forefathers. It is built on truth, transparency, and fairness. I’m a Hardcore Traditionalist.”
Edochie’s stance on traditional spirituality has raised questions about his authenticity. Critics have pointed out the contradiction between his role as a preacher of Christianity and his newfound allegiance to African traditions. His latest declaration on traditionalism has only added fuel to the fire, leaving many to wonder whether this is a genuine spiritual shift or another attempt at remaining relevant.
A Life of Controversy and Public Reaction
Yul Edochie’s personal life has also been marked by controversy, including his ongoing divorce proceedings with his first wife, May Edochie, and his marriage to his second wife, Judy. Despite the public scrutiny, Edochie has maintained a firm stance on his beliefs, emphasising that he is indifferent to public opinion. He revealed that he does not read comments about himself or his family, stating that he is only concerned with what God thinks of him.
Over the last two years, his family life has been in the spotlight, with the divorce proceedings with May Edochie beginning in May 2023 and his controversial marriage to Judy further igniting discussions about his personal choices.
“I don’t read what people say about me or the comments on my posts,” he said. “The comments section is open for them to express themselves because I love making Nigerians happy. But their opinions are irrelevant. I’m only concerned about what God thinks of me.”
Seeking Public Opinion: Is Yul Edochie’s Spiritual Journey Genuine?
With his transition from Nollywood star to preacher and now to hardcore traditionalist, Yul Edochie has become one of Nigeria’s most controversial figures. His evolving spiritual journey has sparked debates about his motivations and the authenticity of his beliefs. Is his embrace of African spirituality a genuine move towards self-discovery, or is it simply a strategic way to remain in the public eye?
We would like to hear from you: What do you think about Yul Edochie’s spiritual journey? Do you believe his declaration as a traditionalist is genuine, or is it just another publicity stunt? How do you feel about the contrast between his roles as a preacher and traditionalist, especially given his personal life? Share your thoughts on his path to spirituality and the public reaction to his evolving beliefs.
