Gov Otti Describes Prof. Kamene Okonjo’s Death As Personal Loss

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the death of Prof. Kamene Okonjo as a personal loss to him and the people of Abia State.

Prof. Okonjo, a renowned scholar and matriarch, died on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 96.

She was the wife of the late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past monarch of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. Both were married for 66 years. She is also the mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Her death was announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in a statement issued by the Palace Secretary, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the royal family.

In a condolence message issued at the weekend by his Chief Press Secretary, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti said the death of a mother leaves a void that no honour, accomplishment or global recognition can fill.

“Governor Otti, who described the news as a personal loss to him and Abia people said Abia State mourns with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala not just as Nigeria’s most celebrated daughter on the global stage, but as a beloved sister and wife whose life embodies the values her mother instilled,” the statement read.

Otti noted that the late matriarch was more than a mother, but a moral compass, teacher, confidant and prayer warrior whose virtues of integrity, hard work, excellence, compassion and service live on in her daughter.

“To lose a mother is to lose a part of oneself. For us in Abia, this is a personal loss. We have lost a mother, a matriarch who raised a daughter who has become a global pride to Abia, Ndigbo, Nigeria and to all of humanity.

“No matter how accomplished a child becomes, a mother remains that irreplaceable place of comfort, quiet strength and unconditional love. We have seen our sister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, speak of her mother with so much reverence and love. We know how close they were and we feel her pain deeply,” Otti said.

The Governor prayed that God would comfort the WTO chief and urged her to take solace in the fact that her mother lived a fulfilled and exemplary life.

He thanked God for the longevity of the deceased and prayed that the family would bear the loss with fortitude.

The palace statement had described Prof. Okonjo as an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and commitment to the advancement of humanity.

“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.

“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 palace said.

The statement added that beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished pillar of the royal family whose wisdom, kindness and quiet strength will remain an enduring inspiration.

 

It also extended condolences to her children, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo, as well as their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire Okonjo royal family.