…….as Family Reaffirms Commitment

The family of late Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, the Otunba Tunwase and former Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining his legacy during Day Four of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ijebu-Ode Adura Odun prayer programme held at Tunwase Court, Ijebu-Ode.

The event featured sessions of praise, thanksgiving, and celebration as participants gave thanks to God for witnessing another year. In attendance were several Ijebu royal fathers and dignitaries, led by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. 

Others included the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Dr. Sonny Kuku, and traditional rulers such as the Alakija of Ikija Ijebu, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, the Gbengande of Ososa, the Lamodi of Isiwo, the Olokine of Ikine Ijebu-Igbo, the Obiri of Ayepe, the Oliworo of Iworo, the Alawa of Awa Ijebu, and the Ojotumoro of Abigi Waterside.

Also present were the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Adesanya; Chief Okubadejo; Balogun Alausa; Chief Osoba; Chief Awote; Chief Okunowo; the current Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, Chief Mrs. Atere who is also the junior sister of the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, Olori Adetutu Balogun, the wife of the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, Mrs. Olubusola Adekusibe and other distinguished guests.

Speaking on behalf of the family, one of the children of the late Asiwaju, Mr. Babajide Balogun expressed profound gratitude to God for His mercies and blessings upon the family, noting that they had every reason to remain thankful.

He prayed for a better 2026 than 2025 for the family and all attendees, asking God for protection, guidance, good health, peace of mind, and prosperity. He also offered prayers for Ijebuland and Nigeria, seeking divine peace and progress, while appreciating members of CAN, relatives, and well-wishers for their continued support.

Mr. Balogun explained that the family has hosted the CAN Ijebu-Ode community for over 20 years, a tradition instituted by their late father and sustained after his passing.

According to him, the annual Adura Odun is not merely celebratory but serves as a period of reflection and collective prayer to usher in the new year, bringing family members together from different parts of the world while strengthening communal bonds.

Speaking with journalists, the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said the gathering was to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late banking icon and philanthropist, particularly his contributions to the Ijebu Christian community and society at large.

“We are here to celebrate with the family of late Otunba Tunwase and to usher in a new year. The family has contributed immensely to society and the Christian Association. It is my pleasure to be part of this gathering as we pray for the progress of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria. This family has upheld the legacies laid by Otunba Balogun, and we are glad to be part of it,” Daniel said.

Similarly, the Chairman of CAN, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chapter, Rev. Dr. Dele Taiwo, commended the Balogun family for their unwavering hospitality, noting that CAN has never regretted its association with the family since the demise of their patriarch.

He prayed that the legacies and companies established by Otunba Subomi Balogun would continue to flourish.

The late Otunba Subomi Balogun, during his lifetime, had deliberately institutionalised the annual Adura Odun as part of his enduring legacy, a tradition his family has faithfully sustained. This year’s event, as in previous years, recorded a large turnout and was well attended by CAN leaders, traditional rulers, and prominent members of society.

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