Beyond the Pulpit: Pastor Idowu Opens Up About His Most Challenging Years

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, senior pastor of Harvesters Church, openly discussed the emotional challenges he faced growing up in a polygamous family where he lacked a close bond with his father.

He revealed that his father’s absence and his stepmother’s influence created a significant emotional distance, leaving him with no memory of ever being hugged by his father.

Idowu shared, “I have grappled with emotional issues stemming from my childhood. Growing up, I essentially lacked a father figure. I have no recollection of my father ever hugging me.”

He explained how this early experience profoundly shaped his understanding of rejection. “As a child, you simply cannot comprehend the complexities of adult relationships and the underlying factors at play,” he said.

Recalling a particularly poignant incident, Idowu shared, “I was around eight or nine years old, visiting my uncle. My father, along with my stepmother, made a surprise visit. I hadn’t seen him in months.

“My uncle abruptly told me, ‘Your parents are here, go now.’ I couldn’t even greet my father. I couldn’t afford transportation and had to walk home, feeling deeply rejected and unworthy.”