Nigeria has lost one of its most prominent industrialists and philanthropists, Olorogun Oscar Eyovbirere Ibru, who died at the age of 67 after a brief illness.
In a statement released by the Ibru family, the respected businessman and chairman of the Ibru Organisation passed on peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that spans across business, maritime leadership, philanthropy, and cultural development.
Oscar Ibru was born in 1958 into the illustrious Ibru family, one of Nigeria’s most influential business dynasties. He was the first son of the late Michael Ibru, the legendary entrepreneur who founded the Ibru Organisation — a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in shipping, fishing, oil and gas, real estate, and media.
As the eldest child, Oscar played a central role in preserving and expanding the Ibru legacy, taking on leadership roles in several arms of the family business over the decades.
Oscar Ibru’s journey to success began with a strong educational foundation. He attended the prestigious Igbobi College in Lagos, where he built his early academic and leadership skills.
Afterwards, he travelled to the United States for further studies, obtaining his first degree at Skidmore College, New York. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Atlanta University’s Graduate School of Business, equipping him with the skills needed to thrive in the corporate world.
Returning to Nigeria in 1983, Oscar began his career as a management trainee at The Guardian Newspaper, which was part of the Ibru Group. He later moved to Emsee Shipping Lines Limited, a subsidiary of the family business, where he started as a research and development manager.
He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming General Manager and then Managing Director by 1992. His sharp business acumen and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of his peers within and outside the organisation.
Oscar Ibru played a major role in steering the Ibru Organisation’s operations across multiple sectors. He was a key decision-maker in shipping, oil and gas, real estate, fishing, and port services, helping to sustain the family’s status as one of Nigeria’s largest business empires.
His contributions helped modernize the company’s operations and strengthen its reputation in the private sector.
Outside the boardroom, Oscar Ibru was known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Dream Child Foundation, an NGO focused on empowering African children through music, arts, and cultural engagement.
The foundation worked with global organisations like the World Bank and KPMG, showing Ibru’s commitment to making lasting social impact beyond just business.
Oscar Ibru also made a name for himself in the maritime sector, an industry his father helped to pioneer. He served as President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, where he championed policies to develop local capacity and improve industry standards.
In 2006, he was honoured as the Maritime Personality of the Year, a recognition of his outstanding service and advocacy for the sector.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Oscar Ibru was deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and tradition. He held several traditional titles, including the Otunba Boyejo of Ijebu Kingdom.
He also broke new ground by becoming the first African Commodore of the Apapa Boat Club, a prestigious position in Nigeria’s social circles.
Oscar Ibru was married to Chief Wanda Ibru, a curator and founder of the Ijebu National Museum and Pathways Botanical Gardens. Their marriage was blessed with three children — Makashe Ibru-Awogboro, Chris Ibru, and Nenesi Ibru-Okeke.
Those close to him describe him as a devoted husband, father, and family man who took pride in his heritage and community service.
In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Igbinedion University, in recognition of his business leadership and contributions to society.
Oscar Ibru’s passing is a huge loss to the Nigerian business community, but his life’s work continues to inspire many. From shipping docks to boardrooms, and from charity halls to traditional institutions, he left an imprint that will not be forgotten.
As tributes pour in from across the country, Nigerians remember Olorogun Oscar Ibru as a man who combined wealth with wisdom, and leadership with humility.
