Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo dies at 96

The mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Professor Kamene Okonjo, is dead.

The Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, announced the development in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, Professor Okonjo was the matriarch of the royal family and mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.

The statement said she died at the age of 96 years.

She was the wife of the late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

The royal family described her as an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and dedication to 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,” the statement said.

The family added that her achievements transcended Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration within academic circles internationally.