President Bola Tinubu condoles with the Okonjo family over the passing of the esteemed scholar and community matriarch.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, the mother of World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She passed away at the advanced age of 96, leaving behind a profound legacy of academic distinction and community leadership.
The presidential condolence message was conveyed through a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. The announcement brought together national leaders in mourning the revered matriarch from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, according to information published by punchng.
The heartfelt tribute acknowledged her lifelong dedication to women empowerment, societal advancement, and traditional institutions. President Bola Tinubu praised her rare ability to balance a successful professional career with deep devotion to her family and community.
Academic Legacy and Gender Studies
The late Kamene Okonjo was a distinguished sociologist whose academic work fundamentally shaped modern African gender studies. She gained widespread recognition for her extensive research into the political and social roles of Igbo women living west of the River Niger.
Her seminal 1976 essay titled The Dual-Sex Political System in Operation remains a heavily cited reference in academic circles. Furthermore, she published significant research in 1980 examining the role of women in social change among the southeastern Nigerian communities.
Family Background and Leadership
Born into the Okonjo royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, she was married to Chukwuka Okonjo, a renowned mathematician and economist who later became the traditional ruler of the town. Together, the couple raised seven children, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Her husband passed away in Lagos in September 2019 at the age of 91, several years after reigning as the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. The family previously endured a harrowing ordeal in December 2012 when the late matriarch was kidnapped from the palace before securing her eventual release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Prof. Kamene Okonjo?
Prof. Kamene Okonjo was a renowned Nigerian sociologist, academic, and the mother of World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
What was her age at the time of death?
She passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy in African gender studies and community leadership in Delta State.
How did President Bola Tinubu react to her passing?
President Bola Tinubu released a statement expressing his condolences, describing her as a champion of women empowerment and a revered matriarch of the Ogwashi-Uku community.
What are her notable academic contributions?
She authored influential research papers, including the 1976 essay on the dual-sex political system concerning Igbo women and community politics in Nigeria.
