Oborevwori, Dafinone Mourn As Oscar Ibru Dies At 67

DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the scion of the Michael Ibru family, businessman and philanthropist, Olorogun Oscar Ibru, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Urhobo nation and Nigeria at large.
Similarly, the senator representing Delta Central in the National Assembly, Ede Dafinone, expressed deep grief and shock over the passing of his death.
The Chairman of the Ibru Organisation and eldest son of the late Olorogun Michael Ibru, according to a statement by his family, passed away at 67 after a brief illness.
Ibru, one of the most prominent heirs of the Ibru dynasty, was instrumental in sustaining and expanding the conglomerate established by his late father, covering shipping, oil and gas, real estate and commerce, and his passing comes less than a decade after the death of his father in 2016.
Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, in Asaba, on Wednesday, September 24, commiserated with the Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor, the people of Delta State and the Urhobo nation on the death of the businessman.
The governor said Ibru lived a life of service, industry and philanthropy, and his immense contributions to commerce, hospitality and social development would remain indelible.
He recalled that Oscar, through the Ibru Organisation, helped to build strong economic institutions, provided employment opportunities for thousands and supported community development across Delta State and Nigeria.
Oborevwori stated: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ibru family, the Urhobo nation and indeed Nigerians on the passing of Olorogun Oscar Ibru.
“He was a remarkable son of Delta, who distinguished himself in business and philanthropy, and his demise is a great loss not only to his family and the Urhobo nation, but also to our entire state and country.”
Oborevwori prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, urging the Ibru family to take solace in the enduring legacy of love, generosity and enterprise he left behind.
On his part, Dafinone, in a condolence message issued on Wednesday, described Ibru’s sudden death as a profound loss not only to the Ibru family, but also to the Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
“Olorogun Oscar Ibru was more than the eldest son of the late Olorogun Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organisation; he was a worthy torchbearer of that great legacy, who steered the family’s vast interests in shipping, oil and gas, real estate and philanthropy with uncommon vision,” Dafinone said.
He recalled that Ibru began his career at The Guardian newspaper before taking up leadership roles within the Ibru Organisation, where he was widely respected for his diligence, innovation and commitment to his people.
Dafinone also highlighted Ibru’s philanthropic works, including his support for youth empowerment through the Dream Child Foundation and his interventions in relief efforts for displaced persons, describing them as enduring testimonies of his compassion and generosity.
He added: “Beyond the boardroom, he was a man of compassion and impact… In him, the Urhobo nation found a true ambassador, proud of his roots, unafraid to engage the modern world and always eager to uplift others.”
He extended his condolences to Ibru’s widow, Wanda, his children, the entire Ibru family and by extension the Urhobo people, praying for God to grant the family comfort and strength to bear the loss.