By Stephen Simon
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commiserated with the Okonjo royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over the death of their matriarch, Professor Kamene Okonjo, aged 96.
Kamene, a renowned sociologist and advocate for women’s empowerment, died on Friday, October 23, 2026.
She was the wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past monarch of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.
In a condolence message issued at the weekend by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti described her death as a personal loss to him and the people of Abia State.
The governor said no achievement or global recognition could fill the void left by a mother, describing the deceased as a moral compass, teacher and confidant whose values of integrity, hard work, compassion and service lived on through her children.
He particularly expressed solidarity with Okonjo-Iweala, noting the close relationship between her and her mother.
Otti prayed that God would comfort the WTO chief and the entire family, urging them to draw strength from the deceased’s fulfilled and impactful life.
Earlier, the palace, in a statement signed by its secretary, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, described Kamene as an internationally recognised scholar whose intellectual contributions and advocacy for women earned her respect beyond Nigeria.
The palace said she left behind an enduring legacy of scholarship, family values and service to humanity, while extending condolences to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider royal family.
