Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State’s Aniocha South Local Government Area has been thrown into mourning following the death of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The renowned sociologist and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai royal family died on Friday at the age of 96. She was also the mother of the kingdom’s traditional ruler, Dr Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.
Prof. Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, with whom she spent 66 years in marriage.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the palace secretary, Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, said the royal family was mourning a remarkable woman whose life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and service to humanity.
He described the late professor as an internationally recognised sociologist who distinguished herself through her academic achievements, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her,” he said.
Emordi noted that her achievements extended beyond Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her international recognition and respect in academic and intellectual circles.
He described her as a symbol of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
The statement added that, beyond her professional accomplishments, Okonjo was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who served as a pillar of the royal family.
Emordi said her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character would continue to inspire future generations.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived,” he added.
He said the deceased left behind a lasting legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for women’s dignity and advancement.
The royal family said its Christian faith remained a source of comfort, expressing confidence that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after completing her earthly journey with grace and distinction.
It also extended its condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the deceased’s children, including Dr Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo.
The family also commiserated with their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider Okonjo family.
It called on the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the royal family in celebrating the late professor’s life and legacy.
Tinubu pays tribute to late professor
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the Okonjo royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, over the death of its matriarch.
The President described the deceased as a distinguished scholar, a champion of women’s empowerment and a respected matriarch.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu particularly commiserated with her daughter, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO director-general, other family members and the people of Ogwashi-Uku.
He described her death as the loss of an accomplished academic whose life was marked by intellectual distinction, service to humanity and a sustained commitment to advancing women and society.
Tinubu also recognised her contributions to scholarship and her example of combining professional excellence with dedication to family, community and the preservation of traditional institutions.
The President prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort her family and all those mourning her passing.