Michael Ibru Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Business And Net Worth
Michael Christopher Onajirevbe Ibru, born on December 25, 1930, in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Nigeria, was a pioneering industrialist whose entrepreneurial spirit and strategic foresight transformed Nigeria’s economic landscape. As the founder of the Ibru Organization, he established one of Africa’s most diversified and influential conglomerates, leaving an indelible mark on various sectors, including agriculture, shipping, aviation, banking, and real estate.
Michael Ibru Early Life and Education
Michael Ibru was born into a family with a rich heritage of commerce and leadership. His father, Peter Epete Ibru, was a missionary and nursing superintendent at Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos, while his mother, Janet Omotogor Ibru, hailed from the influential Osadjere family of Olomu. His maternal grandfather, Chief Osadjere, was a renowned 19th-century merchant who constructed the first storey building in Urhobo land. Growing up under the guidance of his grandfather, who was also the Ohworode (King) of Olomu, Michael imbibed values of enterprise and leadership.
He attended Igbobi College in Lagos, where he excelled academically and in extracurricular activities, eventually becoming the Senior Prefect in his final year. After completing his education in 1951, he joined the United African Company (UAC) as a management trainee, gaining invaluable experience in the business world.
Michael Ibru Entrepreneurial Journey
In 1956, Michael Ibru ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a partnership called Laibru with English expatriate Jimmy Large. This move marked the beginning of his journey into business. In 1957, recognizing the untapped potential in the frozen fish market, he pioneered the importation and distribution of frozen fish in Nigeria. Initially operating from the back of a truck, his venture rapidly expanded, leading to the establishment of Ibru Sea Foods. By the 1970s, the company had grown to operate a fleet of 25 trawlers, making it the largest frozen fish distributor in West Africa.
Building on this success, Michael diversified his business interests. In 1969, he founded Rutam Motors, which became a major distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria. He also ventured into agriculture with the establishment of Aden Farm in 1965, a large-scale palm oil plantation, and later acquired Mitchell Farm in 1973, which became the largest supplier of day-old chicks and processed poultry in West Africa. Additionally, he acquired Nigeria Hardwoods Company Ltd in 1974, a logging and wood processing company.
The Ibru Organization continued to expand into various sectors, including shipping, aviation, real estate, publishing, insurance, and oil and gas. By 1981, the conglomerate’s annual turnover was estimated at around $400 million, equivalent to approximately $1.4 billion in 2025.
Micheal Ibru Family and Legacy
Michael Ibru was married to five wives and fathered seventeen children. His eldest son, Oskar Ibru, became the chairman and CEO of the Ibru Organization, continuing his father’s legacy. Other notable family members include Felix Ibru, the first executive governor of Delta State; Alex Ibru, founder of The Guardian newspaper and former Minister of Internal Affairs; and Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank. The Ibru family has been instrumental in various sectors, including banking, media, and education.
In 2015, Michael and his wife Cecilia co-founded Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Agbarha-Otor, aiming to reduce poverty through education. The university offers a range of undergraduate programs and serves as a testament to the Ibru family’s commitment to societal development.
Michael Ibru Death and Honors
Michael Ibru passed away on September 6, 2016, at the age of 85, after a prolonged illness in the United States. His death was widely mourned, with tributes highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and his philanthropic efforts. In recognition of his legacy, he was posthumously honored with a Blue Heritage Plaque by the Nubian Jak Community Trust in the UK.
Call to Action
Michael Ibru’s life and achievements offer invaluable insights into the power of vision, resilience, and strategic thinking in building a lasting legacy. To delve deeper into his remarkable journey and the impact of the Ibru Organization, explore the following resources:
The Untold Legacy of Chief Michael Ibru