By Ghazali Ibrahim
Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a respected Lagos traditional leader and father of Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, has died at the age of 93, the family announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued by his daughter, who is married to former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Ojora who held the chieftaincy titles Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife passed away early Wednesday morning. According to the family statement, he will be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites, surrounded by relatives, friends and well-wishers.
“With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Ojora family of Lagos hereby announces the passing of our beloved patriarch… who returned to his creator early this morning,” the statement read.
“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.’”
Ojora’s career spanned several decades in business, journalism, public service and traditional affairs. Before rising as a respected figure in Lagos society, he worked in journalism in the UK and later in public relations and corporate leadership in Nigeria, leaving a legacy as both a cultural custodian and corporate leader.
The late patriarch is survived by his wife Erelu Ojolape Ojora, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In their announcement, the family asked the public to pray for Ojora’s repose and extended gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time.
Friends and associates of the Saraki and Ojora families are expected to pay tribute in the coming days as arrangements for the funeral rites proceed.
The death marks the end of a long chapter in both Lagos traditional circles and the extended Saraki family’s history.
