By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has disclosed that the finality of the passing of business mogul and industrialist, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, is painful, as his place would be difficult to fill both in the family and the country.
In a tribute, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President eulogised the late Ojora, describing him as an “amiable and notable Nigerian, who in his lifetime built a living legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication.
“By his death, the country has lost a notable captain of industry and commerce, but there is no doubt that his memory lingers on through his many landmark contributions to the development of the South-West zone in particular and the country in general.”
Obasanjo noted that, “he was, by all measures, a great man, an ardent patriot, a frontline indigenous industrialist, an accomplished administrator, a foremost businessman and a tireless philanthropist.
He was a remarkable entrepreneur whose vision, determination and resilience added value to the community and hundreds of families who depended on his commercial activities.
“He was a role model and exemplar whose personal life and achievements inspired a generation of entrepreneurs, industrialists and merchants.
Over the years, with his wise counsel, unquestioned strength, and gentle guidance, Otunba Ojora commanded the respect and reverence of all and took particular pleasure in mentoring younger men and women to succeed in life.
To his family, he was their amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a cornerstone of love, loyalty, and family values.
“Indeed, his manners and conduct while alive will continue to linger in the memories of all those whose path had crossed theirs and serve as a source of inspiration.
National and international acclamation for his consistency, had, expectedly, come by way of his conferment with honours of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1982; Officer of the Order of Commadatore of Italy, 1972; Freedom of the City of London, 1989; Grand Uffiale Al Merito Delia Republica Italiana,1992; Grand Decoration of Honour in Siler of Austria, among others.
He also enjoyed great respect and affection from local communities in Lagos, the region, and beyond through the conferment of traditional titles: The Otunba of Lagos, 1979, and Lisa of Ife, 1981.
“For my family, we would take this moment to express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering support and presence in our lives. It is rare to find someone as dedicated, kind, and reliable as he was.
“No matter when we beckon, whether for a major celebration, a small gathering, or a last-minute need, he and his wife would always oblige us.
“Their willingness to consistently show up and be present means more to us than words can say. We value their friendship and dedication more than one can ever imagine. We are truly honoured to have them in our circle.
“The finality of Otunba Adekunle Ojora is painful, especially as he would still have a lot to contribute to his family, his community and the entire nation, but we can draw solace that he lived a very responsible and caring life.
He was a devout Muslim and, above all, a very good family man and worthy father to all his children. His place will be difficult to fill both in the family and the community.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, and the entire Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos on this bereavement and pray that God Almighty will grant them all the fortitude to bear this great loss.
May the soul of our dearly beloved Otunba Ojora rest in perfect peace.”
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