Delta Mourns Oscar Ibru: Billionaire Industrialist Passes at 67

ASABA, DELTA STATE — The Nigerian business community and the Urhobo Nation are in deep mourning following the death of billionaire industrialist, Olorogun Oscar Ibru. The prominent businessman and Chairman of the vast Ibru Organisation passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67 after a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement. His demise marks a significant void in Nigeria’s economic landscape and leadership within one of Africa’s foremost indigenous conglomerates.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over the monumental loss. In an official condolence statement released in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor, Urhobo Nation, and the entire state. Governor Oborevwori lauded the late industrialist for his exemplary dedication to enterprise and his extensive philanthropic activities that significantly impacted the Niger Delta region.

“Olorogun Oscar Ibru was a true son of Delta State who distinguished himself through sheer industry and an unwavering commitment to community development. His loss is a grievous one, not just to his immediate family and the Urhobo people, but to the entire state and the nation at a critical juncture of our economic history,” the Governor stated. He highlighted the late Chairman’s pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the Ibru Organisation, a multi-billion dollar empire with key interests spanning shipping, oil and gas, real estate, and agriculture, which has served as a massive source of employment and wealth creation for decades.

The late Olorogun Oscar Eyovbirere Ibru was the first son of the revered patriarch, Olorogun Michael Ibru. Born on August 11, 1958, he was groomed for corporate leadership from an early age, receiving his education from esteemed institutions like Igbobi College in Lagos and later obtaining an MBA from Atlanta University in the United States. His career began with a foundation at The Guardian as a management trainee before he rose through the ranks in the family’s key maritime subsidiary, Emsee Shipping Lines Limited, eventually becoming its Managing Director in 1992.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities as the Group Executive Director and later Chairman/CEO of the Ibru Organisation, Oscar Ibru was a respected voice in the Nigerian maritime sector, having served as the President of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping. His social and humanitarian commitments were equally notable; he was the Chairman of the Dream Child Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering African children. His efforts in philanthropy and business earned him numerous awards and prestigious chieftaincy titles, including the Ochuko Ro’vie of Agbarha-Otor and the Otunba Boyejo of Ijebu-land.

The business mogul’s passing is a further blow to the famed Ibru dynasty, which has been central to Nigerian commerce and politics since the 1950s. Media figures and fellow industrialists have been quick to share their condolences. Publisher Dele Momodu, reacting to the news, remembered Ibru as “an extremely friendly gentleman, and a socialite par excellence, who was loved so passionately by families and friends.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and confirmed that details regarding the burial arrangements will be shared with the public in the coming days. Governor Oborevwori offered prayers for the repose of his soul and for the family to be granted the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.