Bolaji Idowu on fatherhood: “I never experienced my dad’s embrace”

VIDEO: I have no memory of my father hugging me – Bolaji Idowu

Lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, popularly referred to as Pastor B, has opened up on his personal encounter while growing up in a polygamous home, where he had a strained… pic.twitter.com/qJiZudl3ZG

— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) January 27, 2025

Lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, popularly referred to as Pastor B, has opened up on his personal encounter while growing up in a polygamous home, where he had a strained relationship with his father.

In a recent episode of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, Idowu recalled how his stepmother would prevent him from interacting with his dad, creating a sense of distance and rejection. 

Recounting his experiences, the cleric said: “I have been a victim of emotional issues. Just my background. I was raised without a father. I have no memory of my father hugging me,” he said.

“I came from a polygamous background and it was so bad because of the arrangement it was in the family. If my father is in a place and I am with him, if my step-mum steps into that same place I have to go. That she cannot set her eyes on me.

“So, just imagine how a seven-year-old child interprets that. The thing about being a child is that you cannot interpret the complexities of what goes on in life.

“I remember I was just about eight or nine and I had gone to see my uncle. They stayed in this lovely house. And my father pulled a surprise visit with my step-mum. I had not seen him for like three or four months.

“My uncle just said the word to me that ‘your dad and your step-mum are here, get going now. I could not even have the opportunity to see my dad. I could not afford the driver. I remember I walked home that day because I did not know how to use the bus system. I cried because I felt rejected that I was not good enough.”