Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has died at the age of 96.
The renowned sociologist, women’s rights advocate, and Queen Mother of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State died on Friday, according to a statement issued by the royal family on Sunday.
She was also the mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
Palace Secretary, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, who announced her death on behalf of the family, described Prof. Okonjo as an internationally recognised sociologist whose life was distinguished by scholarship and sustained advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
She was married for 66 years to the late Obi Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku and a distinguished academic.
The family said Prof. Okonjo combined exceptional intellectual accomplishments with humility, gentleness, and devotion to her family and community.
“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished pillar of the royal family,” the statement said.
“Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength, and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.”
The royal family said that although it mourned her death, it was celebrating a life marked by scholarship, service, strong family values, and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.
Prof. Okonjo belonged to a family with a distinguished record of public service, academia, and professional achievement.
Her daughter, Okonjo-Iweala, is a former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy who became the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organisation in 2021.
Her son, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, succeeded his father as the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku.
The family extended its condolences to the monarch and Prof. Okonjo’s other children, including Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo, and Chichi Okonjo, as well as their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
It also called on the people of Ogwashi-Uku and friends of the family to join in celebrating the life and enduring legacy of the late scholar and royal matriarch.
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