Billionaire Olorogun Oscar Ibru Dies At 67

The eldest son of late Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oscar Ibru, has died at the age of 67.

Oscar, a billionaire businessman and chairman of the Ibru Organisation, was said to have died from an unknown ailment.

A source from his relative confirmed the death on Wednesday. Born in 1958 into the Ibru family, Oscar attended Igbobi College, after which he travelled to the United States to pursue higher education.

He earned his first degree at Skidmore College and later obtained a Master’s degree from the Atlanta University Graduate School of Business.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1983, Oscar joined The Guardian Newspaper as a management trainee, where he distinguished himself as a dedicated and innovative leader.

Soon after, he joined Emsee Shipping Lines Limited as the Research and Development Manager. His rise within the company was meteoric—by 1992, he had ascended to the position of Managing Director.

Beyond his business ventures, Oscar was a passionate philanthropist. As Chairman of the Dream Child Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, he used music to empower and support African children.

In partnership with organisations like the World Bank and KPMG, the foundation has made strides in improving the lives of countless children across the continent.

In recognition of his lifelong contributions to society, Olorogun Oscar Ibru was conferred an honorary Doctorate Degree by Igbinedion University in 2017. He was also the Otunba Boyejo of Ijebu Kingdom, a title that reflected his standing in both the business and traditional spheres.

Married to American-born Wanda, curator of the Ijebu National Museum and owner of the Pathways Botanical Gardens, together they had three children: Makashe Ibru-Awogboro, Chris Ibru, and Nenesi Ibru-Okeke.