Adekunle Ojora, a revered figure in Nigerian business, public service, and traditional institutions, has passed away at the age of 93 in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, after a brief illness. Born on June 13, 1932, into the esteemed Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, his life was a testament to remarkable enterprise, leadership, and dedication.

Ojora's extensive career traversed journalism, public service, and corporate governance. He pursued journalism studies at Regent Street Polytechnic in London, which led him to a role as assistant editor at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Returning to Nigeria, he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1955 as a reporter, later serving as an information officer in the regional premier's office in Ibadan.

His transition into the corporate world began in 1961 when he joined the United African Company (UAC) as Public Relations Manager. By 1962, his talent and drive saw him promoted to executive director at UAC, becoming one of the youngest and most dynamic corporate executives of his time. His impact on the Nigerian economy was significant; he chaired AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until its acquisition by Unipetrol in 2002, marking nearly three decades at the helm of a multinational oil company as its first Nigerian chairman.

Beyond the oil sector, Otunba Ojora's influence spanned shipping, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and finance. He held key interests and leadership roles in numerous companies, including NCR Nigeria, Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders, and Lagos Investments, a holding company he founded. Following the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act, he acquired equity stakes in a multitude of foreign-linked firms operating in Nigeria, such as Bowring Group, Inchcape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers, and Seven-Up. His commitment to corporate governance remained strong into his later years.

In public service, Ojora was a member of the Lagos City Council in 1966 and, in 1967, was appointed Managing Director of Wemabod Estates Limited and Chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line. Despite his significant influence, he maintained a distance from party politics, stating in a 1990 interview that he had no interest in political office.

Deeply rooted in tradition, Otunba Ojora held multiple prestigious traditional titles, including the Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ile-Ife, Chief Olori Omoba of Lagos, Head of Oba Ologunkutere & Oba Adele Ajosun Royal Family, Head of Ojora Royal Family, and Head of Aiyeomosan Chieftaincy Family of Lagos. His contributions were recognized with national honors such as the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and fellowships from esteemed professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the British Institute of Directors, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Royal Society of Arts. He also received an honorary doctorate from Central State University, Ohio, in 1992, and was lauded by President Bola Tinubu on his 92nd birthday for his leadership and advocacy for indigenous participation in key economic sectors.

Adekunle Ojora is survived by his loving wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, including Toyin Saraki (wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Toyin Ojora-Saraki confirmed that he will be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites. The Ojora family of Lagos has announced that further details regarding funeral arrangements will be released in due course.

The family honored his legacy with the Oriki: “Omo Ojora Apasa, Omo kekeniju, Omo oyinbo Dudu ni ita iganmu, Omo afomo loko toun ti ele die, Omo olumokun okosho yun, Omo opayun Pade, Omo alowo loko bi oyinbo, Omo ogbe obinrin ta fi owo ra akobi… Omo olowu oduru. Sun re ooooooooo.”