Professor Kamene Okonjo, the mother of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has died at the age of 96.
The renowned sociologist and women’s rights advocate passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, according to an announcement issued on Sunday by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State.
Her death was announced in a statement by the palace secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the royal family. The family described her as an exceptional woman whose life was marked by academic excellence, compassion, humility and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Professor Kamene Okonjo was not only the mother of the WTO chief but also the mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II. Her passing represents a significant loss for the family, the kingdom and those who admired her contributions to scholarship and women’s empowerment.
Here are five important facts about her life, family and enduring legacy.
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1. Professor Kamene Okonjo Dies at 96
Professor Kamene Okonjo lived to the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that extended across academia, family life and traditional leadership.
Her death was announced publicly on Sunday, with the royal family paying tribute to her character, intellectual achievements and service to humanity.
In its statement, the family described her as a woman of exceptional intellect who combined academic distinction with humility, gentleness and grace.
The announcement also highlighted her influence beyond Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, noting that her work and achievements earned her recognition in international academic circles.
While the family mourns her passing, its statement emphasised the importance of celebrating the life she lived and the values she represented.
2. She Was the Mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
One of Professor Kamene Okonjo’s best-known family connections was her daughter, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
Okonjo-Iweala is an internationally recognised economist and public servant who previously served as Nigeria’s finance minister. She became the WTO’s first woman and first African director-general in 2021.
Her leadership of the global trade organisation has placed her among Nigeria’s most prominent figures in international affairs.
Professor Kamene Okonjo was also the mother of Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo, according to the royal family’s announcement.
The family extended its condolences to her children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives following her death.
3. She Was a Renowned Sociologist and Women’s Rights Advocate
Beyond her role as a mother and member of the royal family, Professor Kamene Okonjo built a distinguished reputation as a sociologist.
The royal family’s statement described her as an internationally recognised scholar whose academic contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment formed an important part of her legacy.
Her work placed her among those who dedicated their professional lives to understanding society and promoting the advancement of women.
The family said her accomplishments earned her respect within academic and intellectual circles both in Nigeria and abroad.
It also emphasised that her professional achievements were matched by her personal qualities, including compassion, humility and a commitment to humanity.
Her life offers a reminder of the role scholars can play not only in advancing knowledge but also in encouraging social progress and creating opportunities for future generations.
4. She Was Married to the Late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo for 66 Years
Professor Kamene Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
According to reports on the royal family’s announcement, the couple shared 66 years of marriage.
Her late husband was also a respected academic who served as the kingdom’s traditional ruler.
Together, they raised a family that includes prominent figures in public service, medicine and traditional leadership.
Professor Kamene Okonjo was also the mother of the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.
Her position within the royal household made her an important figure in the kingdom, where she was remembered as a matriarch and a pillar of the extended family.
5. Royal Family Celebrates Her Legacy of Service and Compassion
In its tribute, the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family described Professor Kamene Okonjo as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose wisdom, kindness and quiet strength would continue to inspire future generations.
The family said her life represented scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
It also expressed comfort in its Christian faith, stating that it believed she was resting peacefully with the Lord after completing her life’s journey.
The statement called on the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom to join the family in celebrating her life and contributions.
Although her death marks the end of a remarkable chapter, the family believes her influence will endure through her academic work, her commitment to women’s advancement and the generations she helped shape.
Details of funeral arrangements were not included in the initial announcement and are expected to be communicated by the family when available.
A Life Worth Remembering
Professor Kamene Okonjo’s death at 96 has brought a distinguished life in scholarship, family and public service to a close.
As tributes emerge, her legacy extends beyond her identity as the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She was a respected sociologist, an advocate for women’s rights and a matriarch whose life reflected a commitment to education, compassion and service.
Her contributions to academia and her family’s place in Nigerian public life will remain part of the story of a woman whose influence reached across generations.
The death was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. Read the full report on The Guardian Nigeria.
May her soul rest in peace.
