Obasanjo mourns Otunba Adekunle Ojora at 93, hails late industrialist’s enduring legacy

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Nigerian industrialist and elder statesman, Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Ojora, OFR, CON, JP, who passed away at the age of 93, describing his demise as a major loss to Lagos State and the nation at large.

In a heartfelt tribute dated January 28, 2026, Obasanjo said he was deeply grieved by the passing of the respected businessman, philanthropist and community leader, noting that Ojora’s life was defined by integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to national development.

On behalf of his family and himself, the former president extended condolences to members of the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, as well as to the people of Lagos State, whom he said had lost an amiable and outstanding son whose influence spanned generations.

Obasanjo described the late Ojora as a notable captain of industry and commerce whose contributions to economic growth, particularly in the South-West and across Nigeria, would remain indelible.

He noted that although Ojora initially pursued a career in journalism, his passion and vision eventually led him into business, where he made remarkable and lasting impacts.

Tracing his professional journey, Obasanjo recalled that Ojora worked as an Assistant Editor at the BBC in London in 1954, served in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, and later joined the Nigerian Civil Service between 1955 and 1961.

He was also attached to the Manchester Guardian as Assistant Commonwealth Editor in 1958 before becoming Public Relations Manager at the United Africa Company (UAC) Nigeria Limited from 1962 to 1967.

In all these roles, Obasanjo said, Ojora distinguished himself as a focused, imaginative and forward-thinking professional.

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The former president praised Ojora as an ardent patriot, accomplished administrator, foremost businessman and tireless philanthropist whose entrepreneurial vision and resilience uplifted communities and provided livelihoods for hundreds of families.

He described him as a role model whose personal life and professional achievements inspired generations of entrepreneurs, industrialists and merchants.

According to Obasanjo, Ojora was widely respected for his wise counsel, gentle guidance and commitment to mentoring younger men and women to succeed.

Within his family, he said, the late elder statesman was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, whose life exemplified love, loyalty and strong family values.

Obasanjo also highlighted the numerous national and international honours bestowed on Ojora in recognition of his contributions.

These included the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) conferred in 1982, the Officer of the Order of the Commendatore of Italy in 1972, the Freedom of the City of London in 1989, the Grand Ufficiale al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in 1992, and the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver of Austria, among others.

While acknowledging the pain of his passing, Obasanjo said solace could be drawn from the fact that Ojora lived a fulfilled and responsible life.