By Our Reporter
A business guru and frontline industrialist, Otunba Adekunle Ojora is dead, aged 93.
Ojora, who, till his death, was Otunba of Lagos and the Lisa of Ile-Ife, died on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, after a brief illness, at his Ikoyi home in Lagos.
A statement issued by his daughter, Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, confirmed the death, saying that he would be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites.
He is urvived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The statement read:
"Inalilahi wa Ina llaehi Rajiun
With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Ojora family
of Lagos hereby announces the passing of our beloved patriarch, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, who returned to his creator early this morning.
"We say Alhamdulilahi for a life well lived, and we comply with Allah’s words that: 'Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return' (Q2:156)
"He was 93 and will be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites.
"He was survived by his lovely wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"We urge all members of the public to join us in praying to Allah to grant
His servant, who has lived a dignified life, reprieve in the grave and a place
in Aljannah Firdaus."
The Otunba Adekunle Ojora’s career spans journalism, business, and public service, marking him as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished corporate leaders.
His investments, leadership roles, and mentorship have shaped the development of several key industries in Nigeria, particularly oil, shipping, and finance.
Otunba Adekunle Ojora pursued a career in journalism, but eventually yielded to the pull of business.
After studying journalism at Regent Street Polytechnic, London, he had a stint at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) where he rose to the position of assistant editor.
He joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a reporter in 1955, and was transferred to Ibadan as an information officer in the office of the regional premier.
His move to United African Company (UAC), where he became public relations manager in 1961, possibly opened his eyes to possibilities in the business world, and he developed interest in commercial enterprises.
He became an Executive Director of UAC in 1962.
He gained some experience in grassroots governance, following his nomination as a member of Lagos City Council in 1966.
His appointments in two government agencies in 1967 reflected his capacity.
In the same year, he became Managing Director of Wemabod Estates Limited, a regional property and investment company, and also became Chairman of Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
He later became an investor in various firms, including AGIP Petroleum Marketing and Technology Company and NCR Nigeria.
He was notably Chairman of the Board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until it was acquired by UNIPETROL in 2002.
He also founded the private firms Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders and a holding company, Lagos Investments.
The introduction of the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act led to his expansion as an investor.
He acquired equity interest in some foreign companies operating in Nigeria, including Bowring Group, Inchape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers and Seven-Up.
The range of his investments includes oil and gas, food, insurance, office equipment, pharmaceuticals, real estate, ICT and financial sectors in Nigeria and abroad.
As a giant boardroom player, his activities extended to his advanced years.
For instance, at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2016, Ojora, the Chairman, Board of Directors, who was then 84, noted that despite Nigeria’s large population, the publishing industry was still struggling to remain profitable in the face of overwhelming challenges, including piracy.
Also, in 2017, when Insurance Brokers of Nigeria (IBN), the country’s leading insurance broking and risk advisory firm, unveiled a new brand identity in its 62nd year, the Chairman, Ojora, observed that “one thing that has never changed is our commitment.”
A member of the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, he was a prince who nearly became king.
He lost the succession battle for traditional rulership that followed the death of Oba of Lagos Adeyinka Oyekan in 2003.
He was a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM); Fellow, British Institute of Directors; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR); and Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
These decorations illustrate his professional achievements.
He received an honorary doctorate from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, USA, in 1992.
Also, he was a recipient of the Nigerian National Honours: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), which signifie recognition of his laudable service to the benefit of the country, and underline the respect he enjoys as a citizen of the country.
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