Tinubu, Obasanjo Pay Tributes as Business Icon Otunba Adekunle Ojora Passes Away at 93
President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have mourned the passing of renowned businessman and foremost traditional titleholder, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, who died at the age of 93.
The death of Otunba Ojora was announced by the Ojora Royal Family of Lagos in a statement released on Wednesday. According to the family, the respected industrialist and community leader passed away in the early hours of the day, submitting to the will of Almighty Allah.
Born on June 13, 1932, Otunba Adekunle Ojora was a prominent member of the Lagos royal aristocracy and held several revered traditional titles, including the Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife, Head of the Ojora Royal Family, and Olori Omoba of Lagos. He was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in business, journalism, public service, and corporate governance.
Reacting to the news, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep grief over Ojora’s death, describing it as a significant loss to Nigeria. In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, the Ojora and Adele royal families, and business associates of the late industrialist.
President Tinubu praised Ojora’s life of humility, perseverance, hard work, and generosity, noting that these virtues defined his long and distinguished career across journalism, public service, and business. He said the late businessman played an important advisory role to governments at both national and subnational levels, particularly in safeguarding the future of public and private institutions.
The President added that Otunba Ojora’s passing represents a huge loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and traditional institutions, and prayed for the repose of his soul as well as strength for his family.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also paid glowing tribute to the late business mogul, describing his death as painful and difficult to accept. In a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said Ojora built a living legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication during his lifetime.
Obasanjo noted that Nigeria had lost a notable captain of industry and commerce, whose contributions to national development, particularly in the South-West, would continue to be remembered. He described Ojora as an ardent patriot, accomplished administrator, frontline indigenous industrialist, and tireless philanthropist who inspired generations of entrepreneurs through his vision and leadership.
Otunba Ojora began his professional career in the early 1950s after studying journalism in London. He worked briefly with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) before returning to Nigeria to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter. He later transitioned into corporate life, joining the United African Company of Nigeria (UAC), where he rose to become an executive director in 1962, one of the youngest corporate executives of his time.
He later served as Chairman of the Board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until 2002, a period during which he played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. Beyond AGIP, Ojora served on several corporate boards and was known as a respected voice in Nigeria’s business community.
Otunba Adekunle Ojora is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The family said details of his burial arrangements would be announced later, noting that he would be laid to rest in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.
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