Nigerian industrialist Oskar Ibru, chairman of Ibru Organization, dies at 67

Olorogun Oskar Eyovbirere Ibru, Nigerian industrialist and chairman of the Ibru Organization, has passed away at the age of 67. The news of his passing on Sept. 24 after a brief illness was confirmed by his family, who shared the announcement with deep sorrow.

Born in 1958, Oskar was the eldest son of the late Olorogun Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organization and one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen. His death comes nine years after his father’s passing in 2016, marking another difficult moment for a family that has played a central role in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic life.

Carrying on the family enterprise

Oskar grew up immersed in commerce. After attending Igbobi College and studying abroad, he returned to Nigeria in the early 1980s to join the family business. He started out as a management trainee at The Guardian newspaper, part of the group, before moving into shipping with Emsee Shipping Lines. By 1992, he had risen to managing director.

Over the years, he became a key figure in the Ibru Organization, which began in the 1950s with frozen fish trading and later expanded into shipping, aviation, agriculture, media, banking, and oil and gas. Under his leadership, the conglomerate stayed one of Nigeria's most well-known business names, with thousands of employees and investments in all major sectors.

Maritime leadership and cultural service

Beyond the family company, Oskar was active in Nigeria’s maritime industry. He served as president of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping between 2006 and 2010, where he pushed for greater private-sector involvement in port development and indigenous shipping.

He also devoted time to philanthropy and cultural projects. Through his Dream! Child Foundation, he supported children’s welfare, music, and education. With his wife, Wanda, he helped develop heritage and tourism initiatives, including the Pathways Botanical Gardens in Delta State.

From challenges to legacy, a life celebrated

The Ibru Organization has lived through economic shifts, leadership changes and disputes. Through it all Oskar Ibru was seen as a steady presence working quietly to protect the family’s name and to keep its businesses central to Nigeria’s economy.

News of his passing brought tributes from leaders who spoke of his sense of duty and his commitment to Nigeria. He is remembered not only as a businessman but as an avid supporter of cultural initiatives and charitable causes. The Ibru family said funeral plans will be shared in the coming days.