The Ojora family of Lagos has announced the death of its patriarch and renowned businessman, Adekunle Ojora, the Olori Omo Oba of Lagos, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 93.
The family disclosed the development in a statement signed by Toyin Ojora-Saraki, describing his demise as a submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
“With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Ojora family announces the passing of our beloved patriarch. We say Alhamdulilahi for a life well lived, and we comply with Allah’s words: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will all return’ (Q2:156),” the statement read.
According to the family, the late elder statesman will be buried in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites, while prayers were requested from members of the public for the repose of his soul.
Ojora was widely respected as both a business leader and a custodian of Yoruba tradition.
In addition to his position as the Olori Omo Oba of Lagos, he also held the traditional title of Lisa of Ife, underscoring his prominence within the traditional institution.
Born in 1932, Ojora began his professional career as a journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the early 1950s. He later transitioned into the corporate sector, joining the United Africa Company (UAC) in 1962, where he steadily rose to executive management.
From 1971, he served as chairman of the board of AGIP Nigeria Limited, a role he retained until the company was acquired by Unipetrol in 2002. His tenure was marked by strategic leadership during a critical period in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Beyond AGIP, Ojora was also an investor in several foreign firms operating in Nigeria during the 1970s, playing a significant role in the expansion of private enterprise and indigenous participation in the economy.
He is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family appealed to the public to join them in prayers, asking Allah to grant the deceased forgiveness and admit him into Aljannah Firdaus.