10 things to know about late business icon, Otunba of Lagos, Adekunle Ojora

Chief Adekunle Ojora, a foremost Nigerian businessman and respected traditional titleholder, has died at the age of 93.

Adekunle Ojora was one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures, with a life and career that cut across journalism, public service and corporate leadership for more than six decades.

Here’s what you should know about him

1. Birth

Adekunle Ojora was born in 1932 into the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, two prominent royal lineages in the state.

He studied journalism at Regent Street Polytechnic in London with the aim of pursuing a media career.

2. Holder of the Otunba of Lagos title

He was the respected holder of the traditional chieftaincy title of Otunba of Lagos, reflecting his standing in Lagos traditional and social life.

3. Career in journalism

Ojora began his professional journey as a journalist in the early 1950s with the British Broadcasting Corporation.

4. Rise at the BBC

During his time at the BBC, he rose through the ranks to become an assistant editor, gaining valuable international media experience.

5. Service at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation

In 1955, he returned to Nigeria and joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter, later serving as an information officer in Ibadan.

6. Transition into corporate life

He left journalism in 1961 to join the United African Company, where he became an executive director in 1962.

7. Role in public service

Following the military takeover, Ojora was nominated as a member of the Lagos City Council in 1966.

8. Leadership roles

In 1967, he was appointed managing director of WEMABOD and also became chairman of the Nigerian National Shipping Line.

9. Tenure at AGIP Nigeria

Ojora served as chairman of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until the company was acquired by Unipetrol in 2002.

He also founded private firms such as Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders and Lagos Investments.

After the introduction of the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act, he acquired equity stakes in the Nigerian operations of several foreign companies, including Bowring Group, Inchcape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers and Seven-Up.

10. Family

Chief Ojora was married to Erelu Ojuolape. He is survived by his children, including his daughter, Toyin Saraki.

His family announced that he passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, marking the end of a life defined by service, enterprise and strong ties to Lagos tradition.