Adekunle Ojora
Otunba Adekunle Ojora OFR CON born 13 June 1932 is a Nigerian business titan boardroom guru and Lagos prince. A member of the Ojora and Adele Ajosun royal families he holds the chieftaincy titles Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife. Former Chairman of AGIP Nigeria 1971 to 2002 he has sat on the boards of more blue chip companies than any other Nigerian. At 93 he remains a revered elder statesman investor and philanthropist.
Early life and education
Born in Lagos into royalty Ojora attended CMS Grammar School before proceeding to Regent Street Polytechnic London where he studied journalism. His royal blood traces to Oba Akinsemoyin founder of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House.
Journalism career
1950s Assistant Editor BBC London
1955 Reporter Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation
1956 Information Officer Western Region Premier’s Office Ibadan
Business career
1961 Public Relations Manager United African Company UAC
1962 Executive Director UAC
1966 Member Lagos City Council post coup
1971 to 2002 Chairman AGIP Nigeria later Unipetrol
Founder Nigerlink Industries Unital Builders
Chairman NCR Nigeria PLC
Director Seven Up Bottling Co Evans Publishers Insurance Brokers of Nigeria IBN
Ojora pioneered indigenous participation in oil publishing insurance and manufacturing. He mentored generations of executives and championed Nigerian content long before legislation.
Royal contest
2003 Nominated for Oba of Lagos
Late Oba Oyekan II’s letter recommended him as worthy prince
Kingmakers selected Prince Rilwan Akiolu now Oba Akiolu I
Personal life
Married to Erelu Ojuolape Ojora beauty queen and society matriarch.
Children
Toyin Ojora Saraki m Bukola Saraki former Senate President
Prince Adeyinka Ojora CEO The Ojora Group
Late Prince Gboyega Ojora d 2011 heart attack age 50
Late Prince Adedapo Dapo Ojora polo enthusiast d 11 Dec 2020 gunshot age 58
The family resides in a sprawling Ikoyi estate famed for hosting presidents billionaires and royals.
Philanthropy
Quiet donor to education healthcare and Lagos heritage projects.
Patron Lagos Polo Club
Supported CMS Grammar School alumni initiatives.
Milestones
2022 90th birthday hosted by children Aliko Dangote Ronald Chagoury Tony Elumelu
2024 92nd birthday President Tinubu’s national salute
2025 93rd year active on NCR board mentoring grandchildren
Awards and honours
Officer of the Federal Republic OFR
Commander of the Order of the Niger CON
Otunba of Lagos
Lisa of Ife
Fellow Nigerian Institute of Management
References
- Wikipedia Adekunle Ojora
- State House President Tinubu Greets Otunba Ojora at 92
- The Nation Adekunle Ojora at 90
- THISDAY Lagos High Society Mourns Dapo Ojora
- Vanguard Dapo Ojora’s death
- Bloomberg Otunba Adekunle Ojora Profile
- The WILL Otunba Adekunle Ojora Clocks 90
- News Diary Dangote Chagoury celebrate Ojora at 90