Former governor Gbenga Daniel has mourned the passing of a frontline businessman and astute banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun, saying he received the news of his death with shock.
Balogun, who was the founder of First City Monument Bank(FCMB) and Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland, died on Friday morning at 89 in London.
Daniel, who is a Senator – elect for Ogun East Senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Otunba Balogun lived a life worthy of emulation by carrying the weight of royalty into his enterprise.
According to the ex – governor, the late banker also lived a graceful life with colour and candour.
He noted that the late Balogun would be missed.
This was conveyed in condolence message Daniel who is the Otunba Obalofin of Ijebuland and Asiwaju of Remo Christians, personally signed on Friday.
The message in full:
“I received with shock the passing unto eternal glory of the Olori Omoba, Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, CON.
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.
A frontline businessman and astute banker, Otunba Balogun lived a life worthy of emulation by carrying the weight of royalty into his enterprise. 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,” he stated.