Prominent Ota-Awori Business Tycoon and Socialite, Bashorun Lamina Ojugbele, Passes Away at 89
Ojugbele was a quintessential socialite, whose introduction to the social scene at a young age was both grand and deliberate
The Ota-Awori Kingdom is in deep mourning following the passing of one of its esteemed sons and successful businessman, Chief Bashorun Lamina Ojugbele, whose death was announced by the family on Wednesday.
According to a statement obtained by newsheadline247, Ojugbele died on October 9, 2024, at age 89.
“The entire family of Arogunmola/Osungbayi deeply regrets to announce the passing of our father, Chief Lamina Ayinla Ojugbele (The Bashorun of Ota Awori Kingdom, Baba Adini Kariola Odo-Esin Mosque, Osi, Ota),” the family expressed in their announcement.
He was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his expansive residence located in the heart of Ota.
Ojugbele’s life is marked by an enduring spirit of entrepreneurship that thrived despite Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape and the turmoil of the civil war. He navigated the various trials of Nigeria’s trading history, solidifying his legacy as a prominent business tycoon.
Known for his vibrant personality, Ojugbele was a quintessential socialite, whose introduction to the social scene at a young age was both grand and deliberate. From the 1960s until his passing in 2024, he remained a key supporter of the Yoruba music scene.
A rare link to the generation that experienced both the colonial era and post-independence, Ojugbele stands out as a celebrated businessman and social figure known to many in Aworiland and throughout the southwestern region of Nigeria.
All You Need To Know About Chief Lamina Ayinla Ojugbele – The Bashorun of Ota
Born on June 16, 1935, to the first Iyalode of Ota, Lamina Ojugbele became a household name in the social circles of the 60s and 70s as one of Nigeria’s pioneering nightclub owners, supporting renowned musicians of the time. Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, for instance, frequently performed at Ojugbele’s vibrant establishment, the Ota Night Club and Guest House on Palm Avenue, Mushin.
This venue was a central hub for nightlife, rivaling only Bobby Benson’s Caban Bamboo, which was later transformed into Hotel Bobby on Ikorodu Road.
In later years, the Miliki King immortalized Ojugbele in one of his albums, encouraging him to uphold his values and remain true to himself:
“Ojugbele, bi o tin se
Be naa ni o ma see
Mama yiwa pada…”
From his success in the club and hotel sectors, Ojugbele expanded into real estate, emerging as one of Lagos’s leading land developers, with properties located in key areas across Lagos and Ota in Ogun State. Notably, he reportedly owned over 80% of the properties in the renowned Aluminum Village, Dopemu, Lagos.
Ojugbele also ventured into livestock farming with Ojugbele Farms in Ogun State, which gained prominence as one of the largest farms in the region until he shifted his focus entirely to real estate in 2005.
As a figure of great stature, Prince Lamina Ayinla Ojugbele held numerous social and chieftaincy titles, including Baba Adinni of Kariola Mosque, Basorun of Ota land, Mogaji of Ilogbo land, and Baajiki of Idimu land.
A proud member of several prestigious social clubs, he was affiliated with the Island Club, Eko Club, City Star Club, and Iganmode Club of Ota, his hometown.
Ojugbele’s status permitted him to have five distinguished and socially prominent wives. His first wife, Alhaja Funmilayo Anike Ojugbele, an Egba woman, retired as a principal from the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
His second wife, Alhaja Sadiat Oladunni Ojugbele, was a significant importer and exporter from Ijebu.
Alhaja Fausat Ojugbele served as a retired Federal Civil Servant, while Alhaja Tawakalitu Ibitola Ojugbele specialized in headgear textiles.
The youngest wife, Alhaja Basirat Olayinka Ojugbele, was also a textile merchant and active in APC politics in Ojokoro, Lagos State.
The legacy of Chief Lamina Ojugbele will undoubtedly endure, as illustrated by Yusufu Olatunji’s 1975 Volume 22 album, in which the artist paid homage to the Ota Prince, recognizing his vibrant personality and generosity at social events.
Ojugbele often shared that his journey to success was filled with challenges, as he initially arrived in Lagos without a penny to his name. Interestingly, he continued to oversee his hotel operations, now relocated to his hometown, while maintaining a residence in the Dopemu area of Lagos State.
He is survived by wives, children and grandchildren. ...Continue Reading
