Otunba Adekunle Ojora: 10 things to know about Toyin Saraki’s dad

Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate, political, and traditional landscapes, has passed away at the age of 93. His death was announced by the family in a statement released on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for a man whose life intersected journalism, governance, boardroom leadership, and Yoruba traditional institutions.

According to the family, the respected elder statesman died peacefully in the early hours of the day and will be laid to rest in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.

Confirming the development, his daughter, Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, described her father as a man of dignity, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to service. She noted that the family has accepted his passing as the will of Almighty Allah.

“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 read.

The family expressed gratitude for what they described as a “life well lived,” quoting the Qur’anic verse that reminds believers of life’s transient nature: “Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return” (Qur’an 2:156).

Otunba Ojora is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojolape Ojora, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family called on Nigerians to remember him in prayers and to ask Allah to grant him mercy and eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.

Beyond his personal life, Ojora was widely regarded as one of the most respected boardroom voices of post-independence Nigeria. His career spanned decades and cut across journalism, public service, politics, and corporate leadership, placing him among the generation of Nigerians who helped shape the country’s modern institutions.

He served in several influential roles, including long-standing chairmanship positions in major companies, where his counsel, experience, and integrity were highly valued. Colleagues often described him as principled, soft-spoken, and deeply strategic.

As Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, he occupied revered traditional titles that reflected both his noble lineage and his enduring influence within Yoruba cultural and traditional systems. His passing has been described by many as a significant loss to Lagos, Yorubaland, and Nigeria at large.

10 Things to Know About Otunba Adekunle Ojora

1. He was a prominent Lagos traditional title holder
   Ojora held the respected titles of Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, placing him at the heart of Yoruba traditional leadership.

2. He lived to the age of 93
   His long life spanned colonial Nigeria, independence, and the country’s modern democratic era.

3. He was deeply rooted in Islamic faith
   His burial will be conducted according to Islamic rites, reflecting his lifelong devotion to Islam.

   
   
   

4. He was the father of Toyin Ojora-Saraki
   He is survived by his daughter, Toyin Ojora-Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

5. He had a diverse professional background
   Ojora worked across journalism, public service, politics, and corporate leadership.

6. He was a respected boardroom leader
   He served as chairman and board member of several major companies over many years.

7. He was a post-independence Nigerian statesman
   His career aligned with Nigeria’s formative years after independence.

   
   
   

8. He was widely known for his dignity and calm leadership style
   Associates often described him as measured, wise, and principled.

9. He maintained strong ties to Yoruba culture and institutions
   His influence extended beyond business into cultural and traditional affairs.

10. He leaves behind a multigenerational family legacy
    Ojora is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.