President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Dr. Adekunle Ojora, a renowned industrialist, business tycoon, and community leader, who died at the age of 93.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the Ojora and Adele royal families, describing the late Ojora’s life as one marked by humility, perseverance, hard work, tenacity, and generosity, qualities that propelled his distinguished career in both the public and private sectors.
“The passing of Otunba Ojora is a significant loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and traditional institutions,” the President said.
President Tinubu highlighted Ojora’s advisory role to governments at all levels, noting that he remained a towering figure in boardrooms and a guiding presence in safeguarding institutional development over the years.
“We pray for the repose of Otunba Ojora’s soul and comfort for his family,” the President added.
Also, former President Obasanjo, through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, described the passing of Ojora as painful, noting that his place would be difficult to fill both in the family and the country.
“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 said.
The former President further described Ojora as “a great man, an ardent patriot, a frontline indigenous industrialist, an accomplished administrator, a foremost businessman and a tireless philanthropist.”
He praised Ojora’s vision, determination, and resilience, which impacted communities and hundreds of families dependent on his commercial activities.
“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 paths had crossed his,” Obasanjo said.
Otunba Ojora began his career as a journalist, training at Regent Polytechnic in London, and served as an assistant editor at the BBC in the early 1950s before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter.
He later transitioned to business, joining the United African Company of Nigeria as Public Relations Manager, quickly rising to Executive Director in 1962, becoming one of the youngest corporate executives of his time.
Ojora received numerous national and international honours, including Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic in 1982, Officer of the Order of Commadatore of Italy in 1972, Freedom of the City of London in 1989, Grand Uffiale Al Merito Delia Republica Italiana in 1992, and the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver of Austria.
Locally, he was conferred the traditional titles of Otunba of Lagos in 1979 and Lisa of Ife in 1981.
Obasanjo also reflected on Ojora’s personal warmth and reliability:“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.”
He added:“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.”
