KEY POINTS

• Lawrence Olu-Ibukun, a former lawmaker, diplomat, and pioneering engineer, passed away at 93, leaving behind a legacy in media, politics, and global science leadership.
• He was the first African MD of WNTV/WNBS, served in Nigeria’s legislative houses, and held key roles at UNESCO, impacting over 250 global projects.
• A cultural leader, author, and mentor, he balanced international acclaim with deep community ties, earning multiple honours and chieftaincy titles.

The Nigerian nation and the global community mourn the loss of Lawrence Olu-Ibukun, a distinguished former lawmaker, diplomat, and engineer, who passed away at the age of 93.

His death was confirmed in a statement released by his family to The Cable, signed by Olusegun Olu Ibukun.

Born in 1932 in Ogbagi-Akoko, Ondo State, Olu-Ibukun’s illustrious career spanned multiple fields, leaving a lasting legacy in academia, broadcasting, politics, and international diplomacy.

He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the prestigious Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, setting the foundation for a lifetime of groundbreaking contributions.

“He was a globally celebrated engineer, academic, diplomat, and traditional and community leader whose work left an indelible mark in Nigeria and across the world,” the family statement noted.

A trailblazer in broadcasting and politics

Olu-Ibukun made history as the first African Managing Director of the Western Nigeria Radio and Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTV/WNBS), the precursor to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). His leadership in media laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s broadcasting evolution.

Beyond media, he served as a member of both the Western Nigeria House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives, where he championed policies that advanced science, technology, and national development.

His influence extended far beyond Nigeria’s borders. As UNESCO’s Deputy Assistant Director-General for Science and Technology, he oversaw more than 250 global science and development projects. He also served as UNESCO’s diplomatic representative to several African nations and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

“He was a recipient of multiple international honours and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers,” the family revealed.

Despite his global stature, Olu-Ibukun remained deeply connected to his roots. He held the revered chieftaincy titles of Ajagunna II and later Otunba Asiwaju of Ogbagi Land, where he was a pillar of leadership and cultural preservation. A devout Christian, he was also a prominent leader in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).