Olorogun Oscar Eyovbirere Ibru, billionaire businessman and Chairman of the Ibru Organisation, has died at the age of 67. A family source confirmed the news on Wednesday, citing an undisclosed ailment as the cause of death.
Newsonspot reports that Oscar born in August 11, 1958, was the eldest son of the late Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organisation. He attended Igbobi College before travelling to the United States, where he obtained his first degree from Skidmore College and later earned a Master’s degree from the Atlanta University Graduate School of Business.
Upon his return to Nigeria in 1983, Oscar began his career as a management trainee at The Guardian Newspaper, where he quickly established a reputation for innovation and dedication. He later joined Emsee Shipping Lines Limited as Research and Development Manager and rose through the ranks to become Managing Director in 1992.
Beyond business, Oscar Ibru was deeply committed to philanthropy. As Chairman of the Dream Child Foundation, he championed the use of music to empower and support African children. Through partnerships with global institutions such as the World Bank and KPMG, the foundation made meaningful contributions to the lives of countless children across the continent.
In recognition of his contributions to society, Oscar was conferred an honorary Doctorate Degree by Igbinedion University in 2017. He also held the traditional title of Otunba Boyejo of Ijebu Kingdom, which reflected his influence in both business and cultural circles.
He was married to American-born Wanda, curator of the Ijebu National Museum and owner of the Pathways Botanical Gardens. Together, they raised three children: Makashe Ibru-Awogboro, Chris Ibru, and Nenesi Ibru-Okeke.
