The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State is mourning the death of Kamene Okonjo, the mother of Obi Ifechukwude Anish Okonjo II, the traditional ruler, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the age of 96.
Kamena Okonjo, a professor, died 13 years after her kidnapping.
The matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family died on Friday, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, palace secretary, on behalf of the royal family.
The deceased was the wife of the late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, a professor and the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.
The statement described her as an accomplished sociologist whose life was defined by intellectual excellence, humility, compassion and a commitment to humanity, adding that her academic achievements and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment earned her recognition in Nigeria and internationally.
“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally,” the statement said.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, the statement described her as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who served as a pillar of the royal family
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”,
The statement added that her wisdom, kindness and exemplary character would remain an inspiration to future generations.
The royal family said it drew comfort from its Christian faith and the belief that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after a life of service and distinction.
The statement extended condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, her children, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo, as well as their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the extended Okonjo family.
The palace also called on the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the royal family in celebrating her life and legacy, particularly her contributions to scholarship, women’s empowerment and society.
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