High Chief (Sir) Simeon Olusola Oguntimehin, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom and a towering figure in Nigeria’s financial services community, has died at the age of 91.
He passed away peacefully at his residence in Ondo City on Monday, 30 March 2026, following a brief illness.
His first son, Kola Olutimehin, confirmed the death in a family statement:
“With deep gratitude to God Almighty for a fulfilling life of service to God and humanity, we announce the peaceful demise of our precious Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, High Chief (Sir) Simeon Olusola Oguntimehin, FCA, OON, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, at the age of 91 years.
“His life was an overflow of abundant grace, favour and sure mercies. For these and so much more, we remain forever grateful. May his dear soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Widely regarded as a man of rare dignity and professional distinction, Oguntimehin’s career was marked by a succession of historic firsts across both public and private spheres.
He was among the earliest Black chartered accountants to be engaged by a practising firm in Oxford, United Kingdom, a milestone achievement at a time of limited global representation. He later became the inaugural Chairman of the Ondo State Public Accounts Committee following the state’s creation in February 1976.
A respected voice in governance and accountability, he was also the first chartered accountant to serve as a member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In the professional arena, he distinguished himself as the only indigene of Ondo State to have served as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a role that cemented his legacy within the country’s accounting profession.
Though the second person from Ondo to qualify as a chartered accountant, he was the first to practise the profession publicly, helping to shape standards and mentorship pathways for future generations.
Born on 12 September 1934 to Pa Abraham Oguntimehin Ademujimi and Madam Esther Abimbola Ademujimi of Ondo, his early education began at St Stephen’s and All Saints’ Primary Schools before proceeding to Ondo Boys’ High School between 1950 and 1954.
He was later articled to Edmund R. Gibbs & Co., a firm of chartered certified accountants in Oxford, where he completed his professional examinations in June 1961. Upon returning to Nigeria, he joined Z.O. Ososanya & Co., where he spent 33 years in distinguished practice.
Beyond his professional achievements, Oguntimehin held significant traditional titles. He served as the Gbogi of Ondo before his elevation to the revered office of Lisa in 2013, succeeding High Chief Bayo Akinnola. During his tenure as Gbogi, he constructed and donated the Gbogi Court to the Ondo community, underscoring his enduring commitment to local development.
His philanthropy extended to education, with more than 200 students benefiting from an annual scholarship scheme he instituted in 2004 to mark his 70th birthday.
A devout member of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), he was honoured as a Knight of St Christopher. His contributions to national development were further recognised with the conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He is survived by his wife, Lady Victoria Adewola Oguntimehin (née Aderotoye), whom he married on 28 August 1962, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
