Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, has died at the age of 96.
She died on Friday.
The deceased was the mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of the kingdom. They were married for 66 years.
In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the royal family, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, described the late matriarch as an extraordinary woman whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and a commitment to humanity.
The statement said: “An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Professor Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, 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.
“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally.
“She represented the very finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cherished pillar of the Royal Family. Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.
“At 96 years, Professor Kamene Okonjo leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.
“We take comfort in our Christian faith and the assurance that she is resting peacefully with the Lord, having completed her earthly journey with grace and distinction.
“The entire Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Ogashi-Uku, and to all her beloved children, including Princess Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo, Prince Chichi Okonjo as well as their spouses, sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire extended Okonjo Royal Family.”
The statement urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom to join the royal family in celebrating the life and legacy of the deceased, whose contributions to scholarship, women’s empowerment and humanity, it said, would not be forgotten.
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