What We Would Miss About Otunba SUBOMI BALOGUN

• His Widow & Daughters-In-Law, Reveal A Lot About Him

My dear husband, my father, my lover, my prayer partner, my best friend. You mean everything to me. I cannot believe that you’re gone. On the fateful Sunday morning, you were taken to hospital, I thought with your characteristic bravery and faith, you would overcome your latest battle. I did not know it would be your last battle on this earth and that you would leave in a few days. You were confident that

you would live till the age of 100. You were preparing for your 90th birthday, and we were shopping together for it just days before. At every moment, you would repeat that you want to thank God for all he had done for you.

Your exit though painful and shocking to us all, was most dignified. There was no pain, and as you had always prayed for, you were surrounded by your four boys as you breathed your last breath. I often speak of you in the present tense as I know your soul lives on. You are a wonderful man, a man of grace and elegance, a man with so much faith. You are a man who loves people, always wanting to be surrounded by people. You are always ready to share your last penny with those in need, and your heart is ever forgiving. I have never heard you say anything negative about anybody, even when they hurt you. You are indeed an angel sent into this world. And I feel privileged to have a man like you as a husband. I will always remember how you nurtured me from the age of 20 to be what I am today. You were patient, so caring, and so devoted.

From the first day we met, you called me your “Olori” and treated me as a special person. You always demonstrated your appreciation, saying “Thanks, my dear”, even for the little things. I will miss the words you uttered consistently every time you arrived home: “Where is my wife T. It was an honour to walk this beautiful journey with you.

You always made sure we prayed together first thing in the morning and last thing at night. You spoke to your God as if you were sitting by His side and asked Him what you want in life. God never failed you. He had been so wonderful to you. And you showed so much gratitude to your God for all he had done for you. You respected all people in authority because you believed, as the bible tells us in Romans 13:1, that they are placed I there by God. Rarely would you openly criticise authority.

You built a wonderful, united family. You ensured you provided for all of us to face life’s challenges. You believed that nothing would be impossible to achieve with hard work and faith. Honesty was your watchword. This is how you nurtured us: to be honest in whatever we do and to do everything with the fear of God in mind. You are the perfect doting father. Your love for your children and grandchildren was I unparalleled. Your guidance, discipline, love and encouragement have prepared them to face any difficulty in life. Their upbringing was principled, enabling them to admirably uphold the responsibility of being Otunba Subomi Bologun’s children. As you’re in the bosom of our maker, I am sure he will be pleased with how you brought up our children.

I don’t know how life will be without you. We were each other’s strength, facing many trials and battles and enduring pain together. I am yet to see a man with your unshakable faith. On your honour, I will try to emulate and uphold this faith by continuing to proclaim those words that became synonymous with you: “Through the love of Christ, our Saviour, all will be well:

May God’s perpetual light continue to shine upon you. I love you, but God loves you more. Good night my beloved, till we meet to part no more.

Your Loving Wife,

Olori Abimbola Adetutu Balogun

May 2023, we were not prepared. Daddy was strong and healthy. In the evening of Sunday 22nd April, we hosted Mummy and Daddy at our home in Lagos; he climbed all three floors of the house … entered every room without any struggle. He was not sick. GOD knows we were not ready …. But GOD knows best.

I am honoured to have had the privilege to have been able to call Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, “Daddy.” 30 years ago, I met Daddy. He asked Bolaji to call the young girl he had often seen walking into Bolajis apartment for a while, then.

After Bolaji had done the introductions, I remember him asking me who my parents were. When I told him, he said he and my dad were in school at Igbobi College. He was in the year above him and also at the University College Ibadan. They both ended up living in the same house in Yaba after their university education. He described my mother as a dear aburo, who he also met while she was an undergraduate student at the same University.

Next, he said to Bolaji, that he was not to bring any other lady to the house. I found it hilarious but it showed the kind of person Daddy was. Daddy had strong family values.

The loss of a father-in-law has a double impact. You are grieving for your loss while emotionally supporting your spouse, who is also grieving … and Bolaji is.

I have thought long and hard about this tribute; even prayed. What do you say about someone who you have known for more than half of your life? What part of your relationship would you want to share? Daddy welcomed me into the family. He was kind and protective towards me and would always remind me of the responsibilities of being the first daughter, and what was expected

of me.

Marriage made me grow up quickly. I smile when I think of this. Ecclesiastes 7:8, ‘“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Finding GOD, changed everything. I am so thankful for the last 5 years. Through our individual spiritual journeys we found a common ground. Our love for GOD and prayer drew us closer than ever. At the end of all my visits Daddy would say, “Kern Kem, pray for us, keep praying, don’t stop praying for the family, you know that is your special assignment.”

And GOD knows I will not stop praying. During our last conversation, Daddy said, “Take care of Mummy, you have made me so happy as you are both so close now.” Mummy and I would joke and make fun of Daddy being jealous of us; we didn’t know what was around the corner. I am blessed to have been a part of his life, and to have the assurance that we will one day meet again.

Daddy, we will iss you but we will never forget you.

Your daughter,

Oluwakemi Baloaun

TRIBUTE TO DADDY

Sadness. Disbelief. Fear. Disappointment. Disappointed that God didn’t give us the outcome we prayed for. This is how I felt the moment my husband, jide, informed me that you had taken your last breath.

You were 89 Daddy, so I am grateful to God that you lived so long and so well. But I was under the impression that you would live to 100 years. I had no reason to doubt that, as you were built like a tank, strong and resilient with your mind razor sharp. Your senses – acute. Your comments-risible.

Daddy, you truly were a self-reliant man who engaged with the world as a man who would be its master. You did everything to perfection. Every detail was worthy of attention. Your dress sense – pristine. Your style – impeccable. Your taste – exceptional. Your strength – indomitable.

I came into your family not knowing what I’d find. I was nervous and apprehensive. But to my surprise you welcomed me with open arms and proceeded to tell me about your close relationship with my mother’s brother, Uncle Joseph lbik, whom you shared a room with at the London School of Economics. You also expressed the fondness and mutual respect both you and my father had for each other.

I would never forget how you truly embraced me not just as jide’s wife but as your daughter. You showed genuine interest in me and my well-being. You encouraged one to be the best they could be. I would never forget how you encouraged me to finish my Doctorate degree whilst I was pregnant with my third child. Furthermore, I recall how you’d always come back with beautiful rosary beads for me each time you went on your yearly pilgrimage in Israel. I am truly blessed to have had you in my life. We all are. Daddy, family unity means everything to you. I promise we would try our best to make you proud. We would also ensure that mummy is well taken care of. Finally, you came, you saw and indeed you conquered. Now rest in peace. Your presence will be forever missed but your formidable spirit lives on.

Your daughter,

Uche Balogun

My Dear Daddy,

Your ability to care and show compassion cannot be matched. You were an extremely loving and honest father to both your biological and foster children. I will never forget some of the very difficult conversations we had as Father and child. You were a formidable pillar of our great family, constantly showing us what it meant to be strong, brave, caring and courageous so that if and when we are tried, we will only shake but not fall.

Thank you for always keeping me on my toes and for being unapologetically yourself. I remember your chat with me about why certain things happened to some people. Your advice and guidance will continue to carry me through the joys and trials that life has to offer.

Contemplating your absence is unthinkable, but I pray that the Lord will fill the gap. Throughout your life, you embodied courage, honesty of purpose and passion for truth. You were so generous in spirit, and you abhorred hypocrisy and dishonesty. You were a man of many parts – a challenge to describe a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a philanthropist, a philosopher and above all, a man who feared and loved God. You played each part with unmitigated devotion and passion. Your love for horses, your uprightness, your nobility and your integrity are things I admire. A void exists within me, which I know will remain forever because there can never be another you, dear Dad.

Rest well, “Daddy dearest” in the loving arms of the great and mighty Father of all humankind. May God’s grace and mercy continue to abide with you and those of us you’ve left behind. While I’m devastated by your painful departure, I’m consoled that you were such a loving and doting father whom I was privileged to call “Daddy dearest.”

Love, Banke Balogun