The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State has announced the death of Professor Kamene Okonjo, the renowned sociologist, women's rights advocate and mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
OBGist gathered that the 96-year-old matriarch died peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026. Her passing was formally announced on Sunday, October 25, in a statement issued by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
The statement described her as a towering academic figure whose work earned her respect far beyond Nigeria.
According to information obtained, the royal family said:
"An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women's rights and empowerment."
The family further noted that despite her global scholarly standing, she remained humble and gracious.
"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," the statement added.
Prof. Okonjo was the widow of the late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, mathematician, economist and immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku. Documents reviewed show the couple were married for 66 years. Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, who ascended the throne in 2007, died in Lagos on September 13, 2019, at the age of 91.
She was also the mother of the current Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in March 2021 as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
Findings indicate that Prof. Okonjo built an enduring reputation in sociology and gender studies. Her 1976 chapter, "The Dual-Sex Political System in Operation: Igbo Women and Community Politics in Midwestern Nigeria," published in Women in Africa by Stanford University Press, introduced the dual-sex framework for understanding parallel political roles of women and men in Igbo communities. The work remains widely cited in African and gender scholarship.
Her life also reflected a period of national attention. In December 2012, she was kidnapped from her home in Ogwashi-Uku at the age of 82 and held for five days before regaining freedom on December 14. The incident occurred while her daughter was serving as Nigeria's Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Reacting to her mother's death, Dr Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for the outpouring of condolences.
In a message posted on her official X account on Sunday, she wrote:
"Today, I have been overwhelmed with messages of condolences and tributes to my wonderful mother. I just want to thank all my friends and followers and let you know how appreciative my entire family and I are of your support. My mother lived a quality life till the end and we are very grateful we had her for so long. May her soul rest in perfect peace."
OBGist learnt that President Bola Tinubu has also condoled with the family. In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with Dr Okonjo-Iweala, the Okonjo royal family and the people of Ogwashi-Uku.
President Tinubu described the late scholar as "a distinguished scholar, a champion of women's empowerment, and a revered matriarch" and as an accomplished academic whose life was marked by intellectual distinction, service to humanity and commitment to advancing women and society.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and for comfort for the family.
The Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family said while it mourns her transition, it celebrates a life exceptionally well lived, defined by scholarship, family values and community service. The family urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku and well-wishers to honour her legacy.
As of press time, funeral arrangements had not been announced. More details will be communicated by the royal family in due course.
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