THE Balogun family of Ijebu-Ode has formally announced the transition to afterlife of their patriarch, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun.

A statement by Messrs Bolaji and Jide Balogun on behalf of the family indicated that the late banker and lawyer actually passed on in London on Thursday, May 18, contrary to the widespread information that his transition occurred in the morning of Friday, May 19.

The statement reads in full:
“With a heavy heart but with gratitude and total submission to the will of the Almighty God, we announce the passing of our Patriarch and the Founder of FCMB, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, The Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu and Asiwaju of ljebu Christians, who passed away, following a very brief illness, at the age of 89 years, in the evening of Thursday 18th May 2023, in London, United Kingdom, surrounded by his family.

“While we mourn his passing, we are grateful for the full life he lived and the legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, excellence, tenacity, courage, faith, style, discipline, along with his commitment to God, to Church, to family, community, philanthropy and Nigeria, which he has left for us, to emulate.

“We are comforted in our loss by the remarkable outpouring of love and sympathy, all your kind words and the effusive expressions of warmth.

“Books of condolence will be open from 11a.m. on Monday, 23rd May 2023, at his homes in Lagos and ljebu Ode, and at the following offices:

“FCMB Group Headquarters, 44 Marina, Lagos.
Primrose Tower, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

“Founders Place, 2 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“First City Plaza, 252 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja;

“Chapel Hill Denham, 10 Bankole Oki Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“You may also visit the online condolence register at: www.olasubomibalogun.com.

“We will announce details of the Celebration of his Life in due course.

“Please do keep us in your prayers, and we ask God to grant him eternal rest.”