The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed grief following the death of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, whom he described as a distinguished entrepreneur.

The monarch paid the tribute in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

According to the statement, Prince Adetunji’s death has created an irreplaceable vacuum in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

“Born on December 8, 1967, Prince Adetunji was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife and served as the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings,” the statement read.

Ooni said his late brother built a reputation for excellence, innovation and visionary leadership in business while remaining committed to humanitarian causes.

“Today, the entire royal family mourns not only a brother and son but also a trusted confidant, a dependable pillar of our family and a man whose life reflected honour, dignity and uncommon compassion.

“His unwavering dedication to family values, his entrepreneurial spirit and his genuine love for humanity will forever remain a source of inspiration to us all,” the monarch said.

The Ooni added that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji quietly touched many lives through generosity, wise counsel and selfless service.

He noted that the late prince consistently upheld the values of the Ojaja Royal Family through his humility and commitment to the progress of society.

While extending condolences to members of the Ogunwusi family and the people of Ile-Ife, the monarch urged them to take solace in the impactful life his brother lived.

“Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his footprints on the sands of time can never be erased. The Ogunwusis are comforted by the fact that Prince Adetunji lived a fulfilled life dedicated to God, family, enterprise and humanity.

“May the Almighty Olodumare give us all the strength to bear this painful loss,” the Ooni said.

He also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for comfort for his immediate family, friends, business associates and all those whose lives he impacted.