Reverend Leo Olu-Martins, the Lead Pastor, HillCity Church, Benin, has instructed members of his congregation to refrain from addressing him as Papa.
He stated that his position, which is in contrast to what’s obtainable in Nigeria churches, is informed among others by the fact “at just over fifty years old, I do not feel older than thirty-five and certainly do not identify with the term Papa.
“Secondly, my wife appreciates my youthful appearance and vitality. She is concerned that being referred to as Papa may imply a decline in certain activities, a notion she would rather not entertain.
“Thirdly, I dislike blindly following trends or adopting titles without critical evaluation, as this seems to be a common practice in our culture.
“Fourthly, I believe the title Papa should be earned through longevity and impact in one’s field, rather than simply being a biological/spiritual father.”
He affirmed that “my nature is to challenge conventions, and I often choose to take an alternative path to avoid conforming to societal norms.
“That being said, I have no objections to those under seventy who wish to be addressed as Papa.”
He added “my intention is to maintain a youthful spirit and approach to life, and I am grateful to have a wife who supports me in this endeavor.
“As a fashion-conscious individual, she is instrumental in helping me present myself in a youthful and vibrant manner.”
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