THE air was filled with melodic praise and worship songs, a familiar rhythm marking the start of Adura Odun (New Year Prayer) every year. The 27-year-old annual ecumenical observance at Otunba Olasubomi Balogun’s Tunwase Court, held on January 9, 20224 during Ijebuland’s universal week of prayers, bringing together all Christian denominations and people of other faiths to express gratitude to God and pray for a blessed New Year.
This year, the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, was absent, considering his exit from the physical realm in May last year. Regardless, his larger-than-life essence was deeply woven into the fabric of the spiritually enriching tradition that Adura Odun has become. It was hosted by his wife, Olori Abimbola Balogun, and his sons –Bolaji, Jide, Ladi and Gboyega. They were joined by Otunba Balogun’s sister, their ever-present and supportive Aunty, Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Atere and her son, Tope.
In his lifetime, the beloved patriarch of the Balogun family and a pillar of the Ijebu community understood that faith flourishes best in the fertile soil of shared experience. It is not a solitary venture. Therefore, he envisioned Adura Odun as a platform that would transcend generations when it comes to expressing faith, offering thanks, and seeking divine blessings. Remarkably so, it became an honoured tradition in his lifetime.
The roots of this tradition run deep, entwined with the history of Christianity in Ijebuland. One hundred and thirty-two years ago, in 1892, Otunba Balogun’s ancestor, Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, played a pivotal role in welcoming the Christian faith into his land. His generosity, allowing a corridor in his house for preaching and allowing a few of his children to convert to Christianity as some of the earliest Ijebu converts, paved the way for faith in Christ in Ijebuland.
This legacy of faith flowered in Otunba Balogun, who nurtured it with dedication. In 1997, during the Annual Christian Prayer held in the Palace of the Awujale, the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Ijebu, on behalf of the Christian denominations in ljebu, presented Otunba Olasubomi Balogun amidst a chorus of praise and thanksgiving to the Awujale and the large congregation as the new Asiwaju of ljebu Christians. That led to the widely accepted Adura Odun at Tunwase Court by Ijebu Christians, which fosters spiritual growth and strengthens community bonds.
So, the 2024 annual prayer gathering unfolds with the opening hymn focused on joint thanksgiving, “Afope F’olorun” (“Now Thank We All Our God”), setting the tone for supplications, praise, worship and thanksgiving by the Baloguns, the Ijebu Christian Association of Nigeria chapter, and laity.
Adura Odun is not just for Christians, but for all people, Otunba Balogun disclosed in a 2023 interview. “So, the essence is that I have invited all Christians and friends. Some Muslims, too, joined me in thanking God for protecting us, providing us with everything, and giving us good health. We can now expect the same Good Lord to continue to be with us for the New Year,” he affirmed.
Olori Abimbola, the family matriarch, expressed gratitude at this year’s event, acknowledging the support received since Otunba Balogun’s passing. “This is the first Adura Odun after Otunba’s passing,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the clergy members, the royal fathers, and all the Ijebus who have supported us. I also want to thank the children for doing so much to preserve the worthy legacies of their father.”
Her words weren’t just about expressing gratitude. She affirmed the values and strength of the Balogun family and their commitment to Otunba’s legacy, reminding everyone of the importance of faith, family and community, which were all dear to Otunba Olasubomi Balogun. Olori Abimbola Balogun inspired hope that even in the face of loss, there is always reason for thanksgiving and looking forward to the future.
With the weight of responsibility and a son’s love, Bolaji Balogun stepped forward to speak on behalf of the Balogun children. Though touched by the grief of Otunba Balogun’s passing, his words resonated with gratitude and strength. “Ijebu, you stood by us,” Bolaji stated, his voice ringing across the gathering. “We feel the love and support of everyone present today and of those who walked beside us last year when we had to grapple with the loss of our father.”
He pledged the family’s commitment to upholding their father’s values, promising to continue on the path of dedication to the community and faith he had laid before them.
A former Governor of Ogun State and now Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, urged the people to hold unto God and believe that this New Year will usher in tremendous and manifold blessings for them.
“I want to thank everyone for the love shown to our late Otunba Balogun. He was a great man. He made an indelible impact on the lives of people. His legacies of selflessness, steadfastness, dedicated service to God and love for others are worthy of emulation. God will continue to uphold our mother, Olori Abimbola, the children and the entire family.”
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ijebu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Reverend Peter Oludipe paid glowing tribute to Otunba Balogun while thanking his family for upholding his legacy.
He said, “Otunba Subomi Balogun lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and humanity. The Adura Odun provides another opportunity to solidify our relationship with God. I am grateful to the family of Baba for organising this programme. This is part of what we love to witness in Ijebuland. Death is not the end of the road for Christians; it is another journey of life. God made salvation available to all of us free through His only beloved son. Death is eternal rest, not separation from God. This annual gathering would undoubtedly give Otunba Balogun joy in heaven, being part of the worthy legacies he left behind. We all missed his jovial nature and dancing steps. As we proceed in this year’s journey, let us gather more to continue to seek the face of God and pray for His grace upon us and our nation.”
Likewise, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ijebu Ode, Most Senior Apostle Folarin Adedipe, referenced Otunba Balogun’s absence and commended the family’s dedication to his legacies.
Among the prominent dignitaries that graced the Balogun family’s Adura Odun 2024 were traditional rulers, including the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Razak Adenugba; the Akija of Ikija-Ijebu, Oba Kayode Alakija; the Origbogbo of Imoru-Ijebu, Oba Munirudeen Adeposi and the Oniworo of Iworo-Ijebu, Oba Adebisi Onagoruwa. Clergy members at the event include the Regional Coordinator of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Reverend Richard Oladele; the Head of the African Church Ijebu Diocese, Most Reverend Ola Ajayi; and the Head of the Celestial Church of Christ, Ijebuland, Venerable Johnson Olabode.
Also in attendance was the Co-founder of EKO Hospital, Chief Sunny Kuku; Professor Toyin Ashiru, a Director of FCMB Group; Chief Olutola Senbore, the immediate past Chairman of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, among other personalities from within and outside Ijebu-Ode.
Wrapping up this year’s Adura Odun, the General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ijebu Ode, Evangelist J.O Akala, thanked the Balogun family for keeping alive the Adura Odun tradition, which is adored by the Ijebu Christian laity.
In a show of appreciation, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ijebu Ode presented a gift to the Balogun family for their commitment to the Christian faith and the church.
The closing hymn, “Nipa Ife Olugbala ki yi o si kan,” was Otunba Olasubomi Balogun’s favourite hymn and a fitting homage to his faith in Christ and love of God.
