Lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu has shared a personal account of the challenges he faced growing up in a polygamous home without a close bond with his father.

Speaking on the latest episode of the WithChude podcast, Idowu opened up about his experiences of rejection, emotional struggles, and the impact these had on his sense of self-worth.

Reflecting on his childhood, Idowu recounted how his stepmother’s influence created a barrier between him and his father, leaving him with no memories of being hugged by his dad.

He recalled an instance when he had to hide from his father, who arrived unexpectedly at his uncle’s house with his stepmother. His uncle advised him to leave immediately to avoid a confrontation.

“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,” Idowu revealed. “I came from a polygamous background, and it was so bad because of the arrangement 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.”

The pastor described how these experiences shaped his understanding of rejection at a young age.

“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.”

Recalling one specific moment, Idowu shared, “I was just about eight or nine, and I had gone to see my uncle. They stayed in this lovely house. 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: ‘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.”

Bolaji Idowu also stressed the role of the Church in praying for the emotional restoration of individuals.

“The Church must pray for the restoration of souls, particularly for those struggling with emotional issues,” he noted.

Vanguard News