Oba Oladele Olashore Dies

The Ajabusi Ekun, Aloko of Iloko, Iloko Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria, Oba Oladele Olashore, 77, is dead. He passed on this morning in a London hospital. He died of heart attack.

He was one of Nigeria’s foremost bankers, former secretary/minister of Finance and the owner of Olashore International School, a reputable private school. A philanthropist. He was honoured many times for his professional competence, patriotism and community service. He was the founder and chairman of Lead Group of Companies. He had been the managing director of International Bank of West Africa, IBWA, and First Bank in 1987. His peers nominated him as the banker of the year.

President Goodluck Jonathan said he received with much sadness and a feeling of great national loss, news of the passing away of the eminent banker and former Minister of Finance, Oba Oladele Olashore.

In a press release signed on his behalf by Reuben Abati, his spokesperson, the President said he joined Oba Olashore’s family, the people of Iloko-Ijesha and Osun State, as well as his many friends and associates, across Nigeria and beyond, in mourning the late traditional ruler, who was one of the most prominent pillars of the banking profession in the country for many years.

The President also noted that although Oba Olashore’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s banking sector and his service as Minister of Finance had already assured him a place in national history, he will also be remembered for elevating the profile of his once humble community of Iloko-Ijesha through immense personal effort and selfless service.

President Jonathan therefore urged Oba Olashore’s family, friends and the many young professionals across the country, who he continued to mentor even in retirement, to be comforted by the knowledge that in passing on, the late traditional ruler has left behind an indelible legacy of great achievements in banking, education, philanthropy and community service.

He particularly noted that the Olashore International School which Oba Olashore established in Iloko-Ijesha and nurtured into one of the leading private educational institutions in Nigeria will stand as an eternal testimony to his belief that only a properly educated populace can guarantee sustainable national growth and development.

President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will grant Oba Olashore’s soul peaceful repose.