Nigeria’s celebrated corporate titan, boardroom strategist and industrialist, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, has died at the age of 93.
Otunba Ojora passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after a brief illness, at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
A statement issued by his daughter, Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, announced that the respected elder statesman would be laid to rest in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.
She appealed for prayers, saying: “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.”
Ojora’s distinguished career spanned journalism, business and public service, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished corporate leaders. Through his investments, boardroom leadership and mentorship, he played a defining role in shaping key sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly oil, shipping and finance.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Ojora’s influence extended into governance, healthcare and social advocacy through members of his family, ensuring that his legacy continues to resonate across generations.
Otunba Ojora began his professional journey in journalism before eventually embracing the world of business. He studied journalism at Regent Street Polytechnic in London and later worked at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where he rose to the position of assistant editor.
In 1955, he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a reporter and was subsequently transferred to Ibadan, where he served as an information officer in the office of the regional premier.
His transition into the corporate world began with his move to the United African Company (UAC), where he became public relations manager in 1961. The role exposed him to the possibilities of commerce, and he soon developed a strong interest in business. By 1962, he had risen to the position of executive director at UAC.
Ojora also gained experience in grassroots governance after his nomination as a member of the Lagos City Council in 1966. His leadership capacity was further recognised in 1967 when he received appointments in two government agencies. That same year, he was appointed managing director of Wemabod Estates Limited, a regional property and investment company, and also became chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
He later expanded his business footprint as an investor in several companies, including AGIP Petroleum Marketing and technology firm NCR Nigeria. Notably, he served as chairman of the board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until its acquisition by Unipetrol in 2002. He also founded private enterprises such as Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders, and a holding company, Lagos Investments.
A member of the prominent Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, Otunba Ojora was a prince who came close to ascending the throne. He lost the contest for the Obaship of Lagos following the death of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan in 2003.
The introduction of the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act further boosted his business influence, enabling him to acquire equity stakes in several foreign-owned firms operating in Nigeria. These included the Bowring Group, Inchcape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers, and Seven-Up.
With his passing, Nigeria has lost a towering figure whose life reflected enterprise, service and enduring impact on the nation’s corporate and civic landscape.
