In a nation rich with religious tradition and spiritual leadership, few figures stand as tall, both in stature and substance, as Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos. As he marks his 66th birthday, the life and ministry of this cerebral, humble, and dedicated servant of God tell a story of unwavering devotion, transformative leadership, and a tireless commitment to the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Born on June 1, 1959, in the ancient city of Abeokuta to a family of teachers, young “Dewale” was steeped early in Christian values. Prayer, communal service, and active participation in Church life were the cornerstones of his upbringing.
The son of Gregory Obasola and Victoria Oluremi Martins, both of blessed memory, young “Dewale” imbibed the values of service and excellence quite early. These formative experiences became the springboard for a nobler priestly vocation that has now spanned over four decades. His ecclesiastical journey was paved with rigorous academic formation. From St. Augustine Roman Catholic Mission School to the hallowed halls of St. Theresa Minor Seminary, and eventually SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Martins’ intellectual gifts shone brightly.
He earned a Diploma in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1978, a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 1983, and two Master’s degrees in Philosophy—one from the University of Ibadan and another from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Known for his integrity and leadership even as a seminarian, he was appointed Senior Prefect, setting the tone for a life of principled leadership. Following his ordination in 1983 by Archbishop Anthony Okogie, Fr. Martins threw himself into ministry with energy and purpose.
His tenure at St. Gregory’s College and Holy Child College reflected a commitment to the twin pillars of faith and education. His calling to form future priests led him back to the seminary, where he served in various capacities including Lecturer, Registrar, and Bursar; roles he undertook with characteristic excellence. His academic thirst took him to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where he obtained a Master of Letters in Philosophy, and later began doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh, only to pause his personal aspirations for a divine calling of higher magnitude. Ordained a priest in 1983, Fr. Martins quickly proved himself not only as a pastor but also a respected academic and administrator. His tenure at the seminary saw him take up crucial roles as Lecturer, Bursar, Registrar, and Secretary to the Appointments and Promotions Committee, each one sharpening his leadership capabilities.
His academic pursuits were only interrupted by the divine call to higher pastoral responsibility. In 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed him the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Abeokuta. It was a bold but prophetic choice. Within 14 years, Bishop Martins had transformed a modest diocese with only nine parishes and eight priests into a thriving ecclesiastical territory with 60 priests out of which 44 are incardinated priests of the diocese at the time of his transfer to Lagos. The Ogun state educational sector also received a significant boost with his establishment of two flourishing secondary schools – Sacred Heart Catholic College, Abeokuta in 1999 and St. Patrick’s Catholic College, Imeko in 2006.
His role in facilitating the return of mission schools to the Church in Ogun State reflects a pragmatic and people-focused leadership style as well as a landmark act of faith-driven advocacy. On May 25, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named him Archbishop of Lagos, succeeding the venerable Anthony Cardinal Okogie having reached the canonical age. Since his installation on August 4, 2012, by Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria at the time, Most Rev. Augustine Kasujja, the Archdiocese has flourished both spiritually and structurally. The increase in deaneries from 7 to 20, the ordination of 83 new priests, raising the number of incardinated priests to 187 and the development of over 48 new parishes all reflect a deep vision for growth and pastoral efficiency. He has brought strategic structure to a rapidly expanding archdiocese of over four million Catholics.
Perhaps one of his most enduring contributions is the transformation of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, a project envisioned and kick-started by His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, into a full-fledged degree awarding institution owned by the Archdiocese. His leadership has birthed institutions several new schools including St. Kizito, the St. John Mary Vianney Home for Priests, and a soon-to-be-completed Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. He also broke new ground with initiatives like the Archdiocesan Anthem, emphasising unity and renewal in Church identity. In 2023, he unveiled what is perhaps one of the most compassionate projects of his episcopacy – the Priests’ Retirement Home in Maryland, Lagos.
More than a building, it is a statement of gratitude, a sanctuary for those who have spent their lives serving the flock. “Our retired priests deserve dignity,” he says firmly. “We owe it to them to care for them, not just spiritually, but physically and emotionally.” Beyond the buildings and statistics lies the heart of a shepherd: a man deeply concerned with the souls under his care, one who prefers substance to style and prayerful contemplation to public applause. Archbishop Martins’ leadership is not just measured by what he has built but by how deeply he has inspired and transformed lives in silence and sacrifice. Within the broader Nigerian Catholic Church, Archbishop Martins is a revered statesman.
His leadership résumé includes two terms each as Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission, and Delegate to the 2009 African Synod in Rome. He has also elevated parish administration through the institutionalisation of Pastoral, Laity, and Finance Councils, tools that have made the local Church more responsive, participatory, and transparent. Archbishop Martins’ motto, “Called to serve in love,” is not just a slogan—it is lived experience. He established Caritas Lagos in 2013 to address poverty and disaster relief. Through this fund, dioceses and individuals affected by insurgency and floods, especially in the northern regions like Maiduguri and Yola, have received aid and solidarity. Yet, the journey has not been without its trials.
The demand for priests continues to rise, and financial challenges persist, especially in a city like Lagos where land and development costs are high. But Archbishop Martins remains undeterred. “We trust in providence,” he says. “Yes, Lagos has its blessings, but it also has its burdens. What keeps us going is the faith of our people and the grace of God.” Unshaken in his convictions, Archbishop Martins does not shy away from speaking truth to power or standing as a voice of reason in a pluralistic society. His insistence on interfaith harmony and active citizenship continues to shape the socio-religious discourse in Nigeria. As he turns 66, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins remains deeply engaged in the work of faith. His plough is steady. His gaze, forward. His impact, immeasurable.
Ad multos annos, Your Grace!
