By Society Assistant Editor
Ninolowo Gbamboye
The Nigerian business community was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, following the passing of billionaire businessman and chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru. He died at the age of 67 after what family sources described as a brief illness. His death marks yet another significant loss for the Ibru dynasty, one of Nigeria’s most influential business families.
A statement released by the family, reported by Arise News, confirmed the sad development, though further details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not disclosed. The announcement has since sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends, associates, and admirers, who described him as not only a shrewd businessman but also a warm, sociable personality who carried the family’s legacy with pride.
A Pillar of the Ibru Dynasty
Oskar Ibru was born into wealth and influence as the son of Olorogun Michael Ibru, the legendary entrepreneur who built one of Nigeria’s largest business conglomerates from humble beginnings. The Ibru Organisation, which started as a small trading company, expanded over the decades into a multi-sectoral empire with interests in shipping, aviation, oil and gas, real estate, banking, and commerce.
Following the death of his father in 2016, Oskar became one of the torchbearers of the family name. Known for his strategic business acumen, he helped sustain the brand’s relevance in Nigeria’s evolving corporate landscape, ensuring that the Ibru Organisation remained a respected name in commerce and industry. His leadership was often described as steady, bridging the gap between the older generation and the younger heirs of the dynasty.
Tributes from Friends and Associates
Reactions to his passing have been heartfelt and widespread. Among those who paid tribute was media entrepreneur and publisher of Ovation International, Chief Dele Momodu, who described Ibru as “an extremely friendly gentleman and a socialite per excellence.” In a post on Instagram, Momodu recalled their personal bond, writing:
“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 per excellence, who was loved so passionately by families and friends… Rest in peace, dear Brother.”
Business leaders and political figures are also expected to release formal tributes in the coming days, underscoring his impact not just as a corporate mogul but as a respected elder statesman within Nigerian society.
A Legacy of Wealth, Influence, and Service
Oskar Ibru’s death is more than just the passing of an individual; it represents the closing of another chapter in the story of the Ibru dynasty. The family name has become synonymous with Nigerian enterprise and resilience, dating back to the 1950s when Michael Ibru rose from obscurity to become one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Though Oskar was not always the most visible member of the family in the media spotlight, those who knew him regarded him as an influential force behind the scenes—one who upheld the values of dignity, service, and social engagement.
His passing comes at a time when Nigeria’s business environment is navigating significant changes, from currency reforms to global investment challenges. For many, the void left by his death will be felt not just in the Ibru family but across corporate Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days, and it is anticipated that his burial will draw dignitaries, captains of industry, and political leaders from across the country and beyond.
As Nigerians mourn, the life and legacy of Olorogun Oskar Ibru will be remembered as that of a man who, though born into affluence, played his role in keeping alive the name and influence of a dynasty that shaped modern Nigerian business. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life—even for the wealthy and powerful—and the importance of legacy in defining how one is remembered.
