• Tinubu, Obasanjo, others mourn
• A wise adviser to governments, institutions, says President
The Ojora family of Lagos has announced the death of its patriarch, renowned industrialist, business tycoon and community leader, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the Olori Omo Oba of Lagos.
The family’s announcement said the business mogul passed away in the early hours of yesterday.
He was 93.
The family announced that the late elder statesman will be laid to rest in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.
The family also appealed to the public to remember him in their prayers.
In a statement by Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, the family said Otunba Ojora died “in full submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT)”.
“We say Alhamdulilahi (praise be to Allah) for a life well lived, and we submit to the words of Allah: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall all return’ (Q2:156),” the statement read.
Ojora is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, as well as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family prayed Allah to grant the deceased mercy, peace in the grave, and a place in Al-Jannah Fir’daus.
Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed sadness over the passing of the business mogul.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, the immediate family of the deceased, the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, as well as his business associates.
He described Ojora’s death as a significant loss to the nation.
President Tinubu said the late Ojora lived a life defined by humility, perseverance, hard work, tenacity and generosity, virtues that shaped his distinguished career across journalism, public service and business.
According to the President, Otunba Ojora remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate and public space for decades, earning respect as an active boardroom player and a trusted voice of experience.
“His passing is a great loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and our traditional institutions,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that beyond Ojora’s success in business, the late industrialist made notable contributions by advising governments at both national and subnational levels on best practices for safeguarding the future of institutions.
The President recalled that Ojora began his professional journey as a journalist, having trained at Regent Polytechnic, London, before working as an Assistant Editor with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the early 1950s.
He later returned to Nigeria to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a reporter, marking the start of a career that would span media, public service and enterprise.
The President further highlighted Ojora’s transition into the corporate world, where he joined the United African Company of Nigeria (UAC) as Public Relations Manager and rose to become an Executive Director in 1962, making him one of the youngest corporate executives of his generation.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Otunba Ojora’s soul and asked God Almighty to grant comfort and strength to his family and all who mourn his passing.
Also, former President Obasanjo described the passing of Otunba Ojora as painful.
Obasanjo said Ojora’s place would be difficult to fill in the family and the country.
In a lengthy tribute through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President described the late Ojora as an amiable and notable Nigerian who, in his lifetime, built a living legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication.
He said: “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 added: “He was, by all measures, 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. National and international acclamation for his consistency, had, expectedly, come by way of his conferment with honours of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1982; Officer of the Order of Commadatore of Italy, 1972; Freedom of the City of London, 1989; Grand Uffiale Al Merito Delia Republica Italiana,1992; Grand Decoration of Honour in Siler of Austria, among others. He also enjoyed great respect and affection from local communities in Lagos, the region and beyond through the conferment of traditional titles of The Otunba of Lagos, 1979, and Lisa of Ife, 1981.
“For me and my family, we would take this moment to express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering support and presence in our lives. It is rare to find someone as dedicated, kind, and reliable as he was. No matter when we beckon, whether for a major celebration, a small gathering, or a last-minute need, he and his wife would always oblige us. Their willingness to consistently show up and be present means more to us than words can say. We value their friendship and dedication more than one can ever imagine. We are truly honoured to always have them in our circle.
“The finality of Otunba Adekunle Ojora is painful, especially as he would still have a lot to contribute to his family, his community and the entire nation, but we can draw solace that he lived a very responsible and caring life. He was a devout Muslim and above all, a very good family man and worthy father to all his children. His place will be difficult to fill both in the family and the community.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, and the entire Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos on this bereavement and pray that God Almighty will grant them all the fortitude to bear this great loss. May the soul of our dearly beloved Otunba Ojora rest in perfect peace.”
