Ojora of Lagos passes on, Tinubu commiserates calling it National loss
By Elegbede Abiodun
Ojora’s impacts in advisory roles to governments at national level was of inestimable value.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Otunba (Dr) Adekunle Ojora, a renowned industrialist, business tycoon and community leader, who died at the age of 93.
In a condolence message, President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the immediate family members of the deceased, the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, and his business associates, describing the loss as a profound one for the nation.
The President noted that Otunba Ojora lived a life defined by humility, perseverance, hard work, tenacity and generosity, virtues that shaped his distinguished career across both the public and private sectors.
According to President Tinubu, these qualities enabled the late business titan to remain a towering figure and an active voice in boardrooms for decades.
Tracing his professional journey, the President recalled that Otunba Ojora began his career as a journalist before transitioning into public service and business.
His contributions, President Tinubu observed, cut across sectors, with particular impact in advisory roles to governments at both national and subnational levels, where he offered guidance on best practices for safeguarding the future of public and private institutions.
President Tinubu said the passing of Otunba Ojora represents a significant loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and Nigeria’s traditional institutions. He prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.
Otunba Ojora trained as a journalist at Regent Polytechnic, London, and became an assistant editor with the BBC in the early 1950s before returning to Nigeria to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter.
He later joined the United African Company of Nigeria (UAC) as Public Relations Manager and rose to become an Executive Director of the conglomerate in 1962, emerging as one of the youngest corporate executives of his era.
