Adekunle Ojora, Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife, passes away

Nigeria has lost a prominent elder statesman and respected traditional titleholder, Adekunle Ojora, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, who has passed away at the age of 93.

His death was announced by the family in a statement released on Wednesday, bringing an end to a long life marked by service, influence, and dedication to community and tradition.

Confirming the development, Toyin Ojora-Saraki — daughter of the deceased and wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki — disclosed that her father would be laid to rest in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.

“With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Ojora family of Lagos hereby announces the passing of our beloved patriarch, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, who returned to his creator early this morning,” the statement reads.

“We say Alhamdulilahi for a life well lived, and we comply with Allah’s words that: “Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return” (Q2: 156).

“He was 93 and will be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites. He was survived by his lovely wife, Erelu Ojolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“We urge all members of the public to join us in praying to Allah to grant His servant, who has lived a dignified life, reprieve in the grave and a place in Aljannah Firdaus.”

Ojora was a renowned boardroom figure with a career spanning journalism, public service, politics and corporate leadership in post-independence Nigeria.

He held influential positions, including long-time chairmanship roles in major companies, and was deeply rooted in Lagos and Yoruba traditional institutions.