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

The annual gathering, marked by praise, thanksgiving and celebration, drew a large congregation of Christian faithful, traditional rulers and dignitaries who came together to thank God for the gift of another year and to pray for the future of Ijebuland and Nigeria.

Leading the dignitaries in attendance was the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Also present were the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Dr. Sonny Kuku, and several royal fathers, including 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.

Other notable personalities at the event included 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; Olori Adetutu Balogun, 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 deep gratitude to God for His mercy and continued blessings upon the family, noting that they had every reason to remain thankful despite the passage of time.

He offered prayers for a more fulfilling 2026, asking God for protection, guidance, good health, peace of mind and prosperity for the family and all in attendance. He also prayed for peace and progress in Ijebuland and Nigeria, while appreciating CAN members, relatives and well-wishers for their unwavering support.

Mr. Balogun explained that hosting the CAN Ijebu-Ode Adura Odun for over two decades was a tradition deliberately instituted by their late father and consciously sustained after his passing.

According to him, the annual prayer programme goes beyond celebration, serving as a period of reflection, thanksgiving and collective intercession to usher in the new year, while also reuniting family members from different parts of the world and strengthening communal ties.

Speaking with journalists, Senator Gbenga Daniel described the gathering as a celebration of 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. They have upheld the legacies laid by Otunba Balogun, and we are glad to be part of it as we pray for the progress of Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria,” Daniel said.

Similarly, the Chairman of CAN, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chapter, Rev. Dr. Dele Taiwo, commended the Balogun family for their consistent hospitality and support, noting that CAN has never regretted its association with the family since the demise of their patriarch. He prayed for the continued growth of the legacies and institutions established by Otunba Subomi Balogun.

The late Otunba Subomi Balogun, a renowned banking icon and philanthropist, had during his lifetime institutionalised the annual Adura Odun as part of his lasting contribution to faith and community development. The sustained commitment of his family, as reflected in this year’s well-attended programme, continues to reinforce his enduring impact on the Ijebu Christian community and beyond.