Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has died at the age of 96.
Her death was announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in a statement issued by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
The renowned sociologist and women’s rights advocate reportedly died on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Professor Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, former traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she spent 66 years in marriage. She was also the mother of the kingdom’s incumbent traditional ruler, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.
In the statement, the royal family described the late professor as an internationally recognised scholar whose life was defined by academic excellence, humility, compassion and a lifelong commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.
The family said her intellectual contributions and advocacy earned her respect beyond Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, adding that her legacy extended beyond academia to include service to humanity and the promotion of strong family values.
Beyond her professional achievements, Professor Okonjo was celebrated as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who remained a pillar of the royal family.
Her children include Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo.
The royal family expressed condolences to the reigning monarch, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider Okonjo family, while calling on the people of Ogwashi-Uku to celebrate her life and enduring contributions to society.
Details of her funeral arrangements had not been disclosed in the reports reviewed.
May her soul rest in peace, and may God grant Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the entire Okonjo family the strength to bear the loss.
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