Tinubu, Obasanjo mourn as influential businessman, Otunba Ojora dies at 93

Ojora built legacy of integrity, wisdom, dedication — Obasanjo

President Bola Tinubu and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo have mourned as influential businessman and foremost traditional titleholder, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, has passed away, age 93.

The Lagos Royal Family of the late Abdul Ojora announced Ojora’s death in a statement, yesterday.
According to the statement, Otunba Ojora passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

Born on June 13, 1932, Otunba Ojora was the Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife, and held several other esteemed chieftaincy titles, including Head of the Ojora Royal Family and Olori Omoba of Lagos.

He was recognised as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in journalism, public service, politics, and corporate governance. Notably, he served as Chairman of the Board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until 2002.

Ojora began his career in the early 1950s at the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, after studying journalism in London, later returned to Nigeria to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter.

He is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape, and children, including Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The family will announce details regarding burial arrangements at a later date.

Tinubu expresses grief over Ojora death

President Tinubu has, meanwhile, condoled with the government and people of Lagos State over the passing of Otunba Ojora, a renowned industrialist, business tycoon, and community leader, who passed on at 93.

The President commiserated with the immediate family members, the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, and business associates of the departed business titan.President Tinubu highlighted the late Ojora’s life, marked by humility, perseverance, hard work, tenacity, and generosity, which greatly helped his career in the public and private sectors.Otunba Ojora began his career as a journalist before venturing into public service and business, where he remained a towering figure and an active boardroom player over the years.

The President noted Ojora’s significant contributions to both the private and public sectors, particularly his role in advising governments—national and subnational—on best practices for safeguarding the future of institutions.He said the passing of Otunba Ojora is a huge loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and traditional institutions.

President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Otunba Ojora’s soul and comfort for his family.

Ojora built legacy of integrity, wisdom, dedication – Obasanjo

Also, former President Obasanjo has disclosed that the finality of the passing of Otunba Ojora is painful, as his place would be difficult to fill both in the family and the country.

In a tribute by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo eulogised the late Ojora, describing him as an “amiable and notable Nigerian, who in his lifetime built a living legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication.

“By his death, the country has lost a notable captain of industry and commerce but there is no doubt that his memory lingers on through his many landmark contributions to the development of the South-West zone in particular and the country in general.”

Obasanjo noted that, “he was, by all measure, a great man, an ardent patriot, a frontline indigenous industrialist, an accomplished administrator, a foremost businessman and a tireless philanthropist.

“He was a remarkable entrepreneur whose vision, determination and resilience added value to the community and hundreds of families who depended on his commercial activities.

“He was a role model and exemplar whose personal life and achievements inspired a generation of entrepreneurs, industrialists and merchants. Over the years, with his wise counsel, unquestioned strength, and gentle guidance, Otunba Ojora commanded the respect and reverence of all and took, in particular, pleasure in mentoring younger men and women to succeed in life.

“To his family, he was their amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a cornerstone of love, loyalty, and family values. Indeed, his manners and conduct while alive will continue to linger in the memories of all.
those whose path had crossed theirs and serve as a source of inspiration.”