Chief Michael AdeOjo with his beautiful wife being joined by friends and family for Thanksgiving

On June 14, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, founder of Toyota Nigeria, Elizade Motors, and Elizade University, turned 88. For six decades, he has stood as an Automotive pillar in Nigeria and an entrepreneur extraordinary whose vision reshaped mobility, commerce, and education.Born into modest beginnings, Chief Ade-Ojo’s journey is a study in audacity, discipline, and nation-building.

In 1971, he founded Elizade Motors, securing the Toyota franchise and birthing Toyota Nigeria. At a time when Nigeria’s auto sector was nascent, he introduced structured dealerships, after-sales service culture, and customer trust as non-negotiables. Today, Toyota remains synonymous with reliability on Nigerian roads — a reputation he architected.But Chief Ade-Ojo refused to be confined to the showroom.

Recognizing that enterprise without education is ephemeral, he established Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. The institution reflects his philosophy: that sustainable wealth lies in developing human capital. From automobiles to academia, his footprint is defined by institutions that outlive transactions.Colleagues describe him as a man of impeccable integrity, spartan habits, and relentless work ethic even at 88.

He built not just companies, but ecosystems — creating thousands of jobs, mentoring generations of entrepreneurs, and proving that indigenous capital can compete globally.His life offers a thesis: that an entrepreneur extraordinary is measured not only by balance sheets, but by the institutions and values he bequeaths.

As he marks 88, Nigeria celebrates a titan who turned a dealership into a legacy, and a legacy into a university.*“Build what will outlive you,”* Chief Ade-Ojo often counsels.

At 88, his life is a living proof of testimony.On behalf of our board of Directors we congratulate Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo and wish him long healthy life.