President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of prominent businessman and respected traditional titleholder, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, who died at the age of 93.
The Lagos Royal Family of the late Abdul Ojora announced his death in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the elder statesman passed away in the early hours of the day.
Born on June 13, 1932, Otunba Ojora was the Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife, and held several other prestigious chieftaincy titles, including Head of the Ojora Royal Family and Olori Omoba of Lagos.
A towering figure in journalism, public service, politics, and corporate governance, Ojora served as Chairman of the Board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 to 2002. He began his career in the early 1950s with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) after studying journalism in London, later returning to Nigeria to work with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.
He is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape, and children, including Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The family said details of his burial will be announced later.
Tinubu: A Life of Humility and Service
President Bola Tinubu mourned the passing of Otunba Ojora, describing him as a renowned industrialist, business tycoon, and community leader whose humility, perseverance, and generosity defined his life and career.
Tinubu, in a condolence message, extended sympathy to the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the Ojora and Adele royal families. He noted that Ojora’s vast contributions to the private and public sectors, along with his advisory role to successive governments, left an indelible mark on national development.
“The passing of Otunba Ojora is a huge loss to the country, the business community, and our traditional institutions,” Tinubu said, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.
Obasanjo: Ojora Built a Legacy of Integrity and Wisdom
Also paying tribute, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Otunba Ojora as an amiable and notable Nigerian who built a living legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication.
In a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said the late Ojora was a captain of industry, patriot, philanthropist, and mentor whose life inspired a generation of entrepreneurs and industrialists.
“By his death, the country has lost a remarkable entrepreneur whose vision and resilience touched countless lives,” Obasanjo stated. “He was a role model and a man whose wise counsel and quiet strength earned him respect across generations.”
He further described Ojora as a devoted family man — “an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love, loyalty, and values will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.”
