WARRI: Nigeria’s corporate community has been thrown into mourning following the death of billionaire businessman and Chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, who passed away at the age of 67.
A statement released by the family, and reported by Arise News on Wednesday, confirmed that the business mogul died after a brief illness. The statement, however, did not disclose further details about the circumstances of his death.
Born into the illustrious Ibru family, Oskar was the eldest son of the late Olorogun Michael Ibru, one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists whose business empire stretched across shipping, aviation, oil and gas, real estate, and agriculture.
Taking up the mantle of leadership after his father’s era, Oskar played a vital role in consolidating and expanding the family’s conglomerate, the Ibru Organisation.
Over the years, he carved his own niche in the corporate world, building on the foundations laid by his father and ensuring that the Ibru name remained synonymous with enterprise, wealth creation, and philanthropy in Nigeria.
Beyond the boardroom, Oskar was also known for his flamboyant lifestyle, deep social connections, and philanthropic gestures. Many remember him as a patron of the arts, an avid supporter of community development projects, and a prominent figure at high-profile social events across Nigeria and beyond.
The Ibru family has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential business dynasties. Founded by Michael Ibru in the 1950s, the empire quickly rose to prominence, diversifying into multiple sectors and cementing its reputation as a key player in Nigeria’s economic history.
Oskar’s leadership was instrumental in sustaining the relevance of the organisation, especially during challenging economic times.
Colleagues often described him as a forward-looking entrepreneur with a sharp business mind and a strong sense of family responsibility.
His death comes less than a decade after that of his father in 2016, marking yet another significant loss to both the Ibru family and Nigeria’s corporate sector.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from across the country. Media entrepreneur and Ovation International publisher, Dele Momodu, was among the first to pay tribute, describing Ibru as an extremely friendly gentleman and a socialite par excellence.
In a post on Instagram, Momodu wrote: News has just reached me in the skies that one of Nigeria’s most recognisable businessmen, OLOROGUN OSKAR IBRU, has passed on…
He was an extremely friendly gentleman, and a socialite par excellence, who was loved so passionately by families and friends…
He was the son of the business Titan, OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU… Rest in peace, dear Brother.”
Other tributes are expected from Nigeria’s business and political elite, many of whom shared long-standing personal and professional ties with the Ibru family.
While the family is yet to release details of funeral arrangements, preparations are expected to draw dignitaries from across the globe, in recognition of Oskar’s towering status in both business and social circles.
His passing, at the relatively young age of 67, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and social grace qualities that have long defined the Ibru dynasty.
