Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and mother of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has died at the age of 96.

Professor Okonjo, a distinguished sociologist and prominent advocate for women’s rights, died on Friday, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the Okonjo Royal Family.

She was the matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family and the widow of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, the former monarch of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she was married for 66 years.

The royal family described her death as the loss of an exceptional scholar, mother and community leader whose life was marked by academic distinction, compassion, humility and dedication to the advancement of women and society.

Professor Okonjo earned international recognition for her work in sociology and her contributions to intellectual scholarship. She was also widely respected for her longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment and the promotion of women’s rights.

Despite her academic accomplishments and international standing, the family said she remained modest, gracious and approachable, qualities that endeared her to people within and beyond Ogwashi-Uku.

Her influence, according to the family, extended beyond Nigeria, with her scholarship and intellectual contributions earning her respect in international academic circles.

The late professor was also remembered for her role within her family, where she was described as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a source of wisdom and strength to generations of the Okonjo family.

She is survived by her children, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo, as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren.

The royal family expressed its condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and members of the extended Okonjo Royal Family, while urging the people of the kingdom to honour her memory by celebrating the life she lived and the contributions she made to scholarship, family and society.

The family said that although her death had brought grief, her 96 years of life left behind a lasting legacy of intellectual achievement, service, strong family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.