Professor Kamene Okonjo, a distinguished sociologist, advocate for women’s rights and mother of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has died at the age of 96.

The respected academic and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State reportedly died on Friday. Her death was formally announced on Sunday in a statement issued by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the palace secretary, on behalf of the royal family.

Professor Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, a former traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she spent 66 years in marriage. She was also the mother of the kingdom’s reigning monarch, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and other members of the Okonjo family.

Beyond her royal connections, the late professor established a distinguished reputation in academia through her contributions to sociology and her sustained commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. Her work earned her recognition within Nigeria and the international intellectual community.

In its announcement, the royal family portrayed her as a woman whose achievements extended beyond academic excellence. It highlighted her humility, compassion, dignity and dedication to improving the lives of others, noting that her intellectual accomplishments never diminished her gentle disposition.

The family also described her as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose influence remained central to the royal household. Her values, wisdom and commitment to family life, it said, would continue to inspire future generations.

Although her death has brought grief to the royal family and the wider Ogwashi-Uku community, the statement called for her life to be celebrated as one marked by meaningful service, scholarship and a commitment to human dignity.

The family expressed confidence in the Christian faith, saying it believed the late professor was resting with the Lord after a life of distinction and service.

Among those offered condolences were her children, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo, alongside their spouses, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.

The royal family urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku to honour her memory, describing her as an exceptional scholar, mother and community figure whose contributions to society would remain part of her enduring legacy.