A former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has described the death of the founder of First City Monument Bank and Olori Omoba of Ijebuland, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, as the death of an illustrious son of Nigeria
Family sources said that he died in London Friday morning.
Balogun, who was Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland, was aged 89.
In his condolence message, Daniel said he received the news of the death with shock.
The Senator-elect for Ogun East said, “As the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, Otunba Subomi Balogun brought the fear of God into everything that he did and believed in, and united the Body of Christ while promoting interfaith relationships in the entire Ijebuland to the best of his ability.”
He noted that as a frontline businessman and astute banker, Balogun lived a life worthy of emulation by carrying the weight of royalty into his enterprise, saying “he lived a graceful life with colour and candour.”
“I share a lot in common with Otunba Subomi Balogun who served as a father figure to me and supported our administration without let when I had the privilege to serve as the Governor of Ogun State.
“He was a man whom I have the greatest respect for both in royalty and in the business world.
“Yeye and I will miss this great icon of Ijebu culture and business enterprise, and we are consoled that God granted him a bountiful life to a ripe old age.
“My sincere condolences go to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR; The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, Ogbagba II; the entire Balogun Dynasty and Jadiara/Funsegbuwa Royal ruling House, Olorituns and the entire Ijebu people home and abroad for this great loss. Nigeria has indeed lost one of its illustrious sons.
“We pray that the good Lord would grant his repose eternal rest and for the family that he left behind to be able to mourn his passage with great strength,” Daniel said.
