Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Ojora, a respected member of the Lagos royal family and a key figure in traditional and cultural affairs, has died at the age of 93. The death of the revered patriarch marks the end of an era for one of Lagos’ most prominent royal lineages.
The family announced that Otunba Ojora passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026. His death has drawn tributes from royal families, traditional leaders, and members of the public who knew him as a man of wisdom, dignity, and service.
Born on June 13, 1932, Adekunle Ojora lived a long and impactful life rooted deeply in the traditions and history of Lagos. He was widely regarded as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a bridge between the old and modern generations of Lagos royalty.
Otunba Ojora held several important traditional titles during his lifetime. These included Olori-ebi of the Ojora Royal Family, Chief Olori Omoba of Lagos, Head of the Oba Ologunkutere and Oba Adele Ajosun Royal Family, Head of the Ojora Royal Family, and Head of the Aiyeomosan Chieftaincy Family of Lagos. He was also the Otunba of Lagos and the Lisa of Ife, positions that placed him at the heart of Yoruba traditional leadership.
These titles reflected not just his royal lineage but also the trust placed in him by traditional institutions. As a senior royal figure, he played a key role in resolving disputes, advising younger chiefs, and maintaining unity among the various chieftaincy families in Lagos.
Throughout his life, Otunba Ojora was known for his calm nature and deep understanding of tradition. Many described him as a man who believed strongly in dialogue and respect for history. He was often consulted on matters affecting royal families and traditional institutions in Lagos and beyond.
Beyond his traditional roles, he was also known in business and boardroom circles. Though he lived quietly, he was regarded as a man of influence whose advice was valued in both cultural and corporate spaces. His balanced approach to leadership earned him respect across different sectors of society.
Otunba Ojora was also widely known as the father of Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, a prominent public figure and wife of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Through this connection, he became known to many Nigerians beyond Lagos, though those close to him say he remained humble and deeply rooted in his cultural values.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki confirmed his passing and expressed gratitude to God for a life well lived. The statement reflected the family’s strong Islamic faith and acceptance of God’s will.
“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 added, “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.’”
According to the statement, Otunba Ojora was 93 years old at the time of his death and would be buried in Lagos according to Islamic rites. The family also called on members of the public to remember him in prayers and ask God to grant him eternal rest.
“He is survived by his lovely wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,” the statement said. “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.”
The passing of Otunba Ojora has been described by many as a great loss to Lagos traditional institutions. In a city where modern life often blends with ancient customs, figures like Ojora played a key role in preserving identity and continuity.
Lagos, though now a global megacity, remains deeply connected to its royal roots, with several ruling houses and chieftaincy families tracing their history back centuries. The Ojora Royal Family is one of such prominent families, and Otunba Ojora stood as one of its strongest pillars.
Family sources say burial arrangements will be announced in due course, in line with Islamic tradition. Condolence messages have continued to pour in from traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, and friends of the family.
For many who knew him, Otunba Adekunle Ojora will be remembered as a man who lived with grace, honoured his heritage, and served his people quietly but faithfully. His legacy, they say, will continue through his family and the traditions he helped preserve.