Adura Odun 2025: Ijebu CAN, Dignitaries, Royal Fathers Gather to Celebrate Faith, Honour Late Otunba Subomi Balogun
By Femi Mebude
Ijebu Today | Today Update | Igboro Lawa Magazine | Today RadioTV Online Station
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State — There was a massive turnout of Christians across Ijebuland as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ijebu axis, held the 2025 edition of its annual New Year prayer gathering (Adura Odun) at the Tunwase Court palatial residence of the late banking icon, Otunba Subomi Balogun, in Ijebu-Ode.
The prayer programme, which has been sustained for over 25 years, brought together worshippers to offer praise and thanksgiving to God while committing the year 2025 and the Nigerian nation into His hands. The annual gathering was instituted and hosted during his lifetime by the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, who was the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, and it continues in his honour after his passing.
Beyond prayers for the new year, the occasion also served as a moment of remembrance, as special intercessions were offered for the repose of the soul of the late business mogul and for the preservation of his enduring Christian legacy.
The theme of this year’s exhortation was centred on “Hope for the Nation and Assurance That Things Shall Get Better,” reflecting prevailing national concerns and the need for renewed faith.
In attendance were the wife of the late banking doyen, Olori Abimbola Balogun, alongside some of his children. The event also attracted prominent personalities including a former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remoland and Senator representing Ogun East; as well as the newly installed Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, Chief Chris Osinowo.
Other dignitaries present included Olor’ogun Sonny Kuku, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, an array of traditional rulers and high chiefs from Ijebu and Lagos State, clergy members, and Christian faithful from across the region.
Delivering words of exhortation, Rev. Ayeni charged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful despite the nation’s challenges. Speaking thereafter, the CAN Chairman for Ijebu-Ode South Local Government, Rev. Wasiu Olalekan, described the late Otunba Subomi Balogun as a man of deep faith whose life exemplified Christian virtues.
“Baba Subomi lived a good life and left behind a solid Christian legacy for his children, his family, and Christians across the country,” the clergyman said. “As we journey through this new year, Jesus remains our hope. This nation deserves our prayers, and we must continue to seek God’s grace for our leaders and our land.”
He noted that the 2025 gathering marked the second celebration since the passing of the late Asiwaju Onigbagbo, adding that his joyful spirit, especially his dance of thanksgiving, remained memorable to participants.
“We miss his dancing steps, just as we danced today to appreciate God. However, the godly legacy he left behind challenges all of us to live lives worthy of Christ,” Rev. Olalekan added.
Speaking briefly during the programme, Olori Abimbola Balogun expressed appreciation for the overwhelming turnout and continued support shown to the family.
“This is another gathering since the death of my husband. I sincerely appreciate the clergymen, the royal fathers, and everyone present, especially the children who are committed to preserving the worthy legacies of their father,” she said.
Also speaking, one of the children of the late Otunba Subomi Balogun and Group Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ladi Balogun, thanked the royal fathers and invited guests for their continued solidarity with the family.
“Ijebus have always stood by us, and I truly appreciate everyone present at this annual gathering,” he said. “As we enter 2025, I pray for the realisation of Ijebu State and that God will answer all our prayers.”
In his remarks, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel urged Christians and Nigerians at large to hold firmly to God, expressing confidence that the new year would usher in manifold blessings.
“I appreciate everyone who made out time to attend this yearly gathering of God’s people,” he said. “Our royal fathers have never disappointed; they have always been part of this New Year programme.”
He commended the Balogun family, describing the late Otunba Subomi Balogun as a man who made indelible impacts through selflessness, steadfast faith, dedication to God, and love for humanity.
“My prayer is that the Almighty God will continue to uphold and preserve us all so that we may celebrate many more years together,” Senator Daniel concluded.
