By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Republished: 9th, January, 2025
Yesterday as recorded the Christian Association of Nigeria Ijebu-Ode Chapter troops out in their numbers from across Ijebuland with a massive turnout for the 2025 Annual Prayer (Adura Odun) themed “Hope for the Nation: Things Shall Get Better.” on Wednesday 8th, January, 2025 at the Tunwase Court, Erinlu palatial residence of the late banking icon, Otunba Subomi Michael Balogun, in Ijebu-Ode.
The New Year Prayer has been a religious gathering for over 25-year-old. The Annual Prayer intercession brought worshippers together to offer thanksgiving and supplications to God for a prosperous 2025, while also praying for the repose of the soul of the late business mogul, who during his lifetime served as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland and hosted the annual events
The event was graced by the wife of the late banker, Olori Abimbola Balogun, alongside some of his children, family and workers. Also in attendance were the former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; the newly installed Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, Chief Chris Osinowo; the Olor’ogun Sonny Kuku; Prof. Toyin Ashiru; and several traditional rulers and high chiefs from Ijebuland and Lagos States.
Delivering the exhortation, Rev. Ayeni charged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful for national restoration. Speaking thereafter, the CAN Chairman, Ijebu-Ode South Local Government, Rev. Wasiu Olalekan, described the late Otunba Subomi Balogun as a man of deep faith who lived a life worthy of emulation.
“Baba Subomi lived a good life and left behind a strong Christian legacy for his children, his family, and Christians across the nation,” he said.
“Jesus remains the hope of our salvation. As we journey through this year, we must continue to pray fervently for our nation and our leaders. Nigeria deserves our prayers.”
Rev. Olalekan noted that the 2025 gathering marked the second celebration of the event since the passing of Otunba Balogun, adding that his legacy of godliness remains a challenge to all believers.
“Though we miss his joyful presence and dancing steps, we are comforted by the godly legacies he left behind. It is a call for each of us to live lives worthy of Christ,” he added.
Speaking briefly, Olori Abimbola Balogun expressed gratitude to the clergy, royal fathers, and all attendees for their continued support.
“This is another edition of this programme after the passing of Otunba. I sincerely appreciate the clergymen, the royal fathers present, and our children who are working tirelessly to preserve their father’s worthy legacies,” she said.
Also speaking, son of the late banker Mr. Ladi Balogun, Group Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) thanked the royal fathers and guests for their consistent support.
“Ijebuland has always stood with us, and I truly appreciate everyone present at this annual gathering. I pray for the actualization of Ijebu State and for God to answer all our prayers in this new year,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel urged Nigerians to hold firmly to faith, expressing optimism that 2025 would usher in manifold blessings.
“Otunba Subomi Balogun was a great man who made an indelible impact on society. He left behind legacies of selflessness, dedication to God, steadfastness, and love for humanity,” he said.
“I pray that the Almighty God will continue to uphold and preserve us all so we may celebrate many more years in good health.”
The event concluded with prayers for the nation, its leaders, the host family and continued unity and progress in Ijebuland and Nigeria at large
