Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a corporate titan, boardroom guru, and industrialist, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ile-Ife, died on Tuesday, January 27, at
Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a corporate titan, boardroom guru, and industrialist, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ile-Ife, died on Tuesday, January 27, at the age of 93
The corporate titan reportedly died after a brief illness at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
His leadership, investments, and mentorship significantly shaped multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly oil, shipping, and finance.
Beyond business, his family continues to contribute to governance, healthcare, and social advocacy, extending his legacy across generations.
Ojora who is a father in-law to former senate president, Bukola Saraki began his professional journey in journalism, studying at Regent Street Polytechnic, London, and working at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where he rose to assistant editor.
He later joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1955 as a reporter and served as information officer in Ibadan under the regional premier.
His transition into business came through the United African Company (UAC), where he was appointed public relations manager in 1961 and became executive director in 1962.
He also gained experience in grassroots governance, serving on the Lagos city council in 1966, and subsequently held key leadership positions in government agencies.
In 1967, he became managing director of Wemabod Estates Limited and chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
Ojora was a prominent investor and chairman across multiple sectors, including AGIP Nigeria Limited (1971–2002), Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders, and Lagos Investments.
He also held equity in several foreign companies operating in Nigeria, such as Bowring Group, Inchcape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers, and Seven-Up.
His investments spanned oil and gas, insurance, food, pharmaceuticals, real estate, Information Communications Technology (ICT), and finance, both in Nigeria and abroad.
Even into his 80s, Ojora remained an active corporate leader.
At the 50th anniversary of Evans Brothers Limited in 2016, he reflected on the challenges facing Nigeria’s publishing industry.
In 2017, during the rebranding of Insurance Brokers of Nigeria (IBN), he emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to excellence.
A member of the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, he was a prince who nearly ascended the throne, losing the succession contest after the death of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan in 2003.
He was also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), British Institute of Directors, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), and Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and held an honorary doctorate from Central State University, Ohio, USA (1992).
He was awarded the Nigerian national honor, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation.
Despite his prominence, Ojora steered clear of partisan politics, focusing instead on boardroom leadership and corporate governance.
Otunba Adekunle Ojora’s life reflects dedication, vision, and influence in business and society.
His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders, entrepreneurs, and social advocates.
