Bishop’s Biography

Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins

Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins was born on June 1, 1959, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, to Gregory Obasola and Victoria Oluremi Martins, both dedicated teachers. Raised in a Catholic family where faith played an important role, he received his primary education at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Mission School in Itesi, Abeokuta.

He began his seminary formation at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan, from 1971 to 1976, before proceeding to the SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, in 1976. During his studies, he earned a Diploma in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1978 and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 1983. He was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 18, 1983, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. After his ordination, he served as Assistant Administrator at Holy Cross Cathedral before being assigned to St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, where he worked as a teacher and chaplain.

His passion for education and formation led him to the SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, where he served as a lecturer and held several administrative roles. During this time, he also earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan and later obtained a Master of Letters degree in Philosophy from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

On Oct. 24, 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed him the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Abeokuta. He was ordained a bishop on Jan. 24, 1998, and served the diocese for fourteen years, overseeing significant growth in parishes, clergy, education, and healthcare institutions.

Following the retirement of Cardinal Anthony Okogie, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Lagos on May 25, 2012. He was installed as the fourth Archbishop of Lagos on Aug. 4, 2012, at Holy Cross Cathedral. Guided by his episcopal motto, “Called to Serve in Love,” Archbishop Martins continues to lead the Archdiocese of Lagos in pastoral ministry, faith formation, and service to the wider community.