By Adesina Soyooye
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization WTO, has lost her mother, Her Royal Majesty, Professor Kamene Okonjo. She was aged 96 years at the time of his death on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Her death has thrown the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State into mourning for three reasons even though she passed at an enviable age.
First is that she was the wife of their late king, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo. Second is that she was the mother of the current king, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo 11.And the third is that she is the mother of Nigeria’s most famous woman, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and currently, the DG of the World Trade Organization.
An accomplished and renowned Professor of Sociology, the late Queen was the matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
A statement issued on Sunday, October 25, by the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, described her as an exceptional woman whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and commitment to humanity.
It, also, described her 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.
The statement furher noted that her achievements went beyond Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, and earned her international recognition and respect within academic and intellectual circles.
She was, also, described as an embodiment of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
Aside from her professional accomplishments, Prof. Okonjo was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a pillar of the royal family.
It added: “While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.”
She was married to her husband, the late King for 66 years, and their children include : Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Dr. Ifechukeude Okonjo Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo.
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