Lolo Obayi passes on at 105

The death has occurred of the matriarch of the Obayi Atta family in Nguru, Nsukka Local Council of Enugu State, Nnemuruoha Lolo Cecelia Ovute Obayi (nee Omeje).

Obayi, who died on January 21, 2025, was aged 105 years.

She is survived by five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, uncles, cousins, and in-laws among whom are His Royal Highness, Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, the traditional ruler of Nguru Nsukka, and Ethelbert Obayi, a former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly.

A statement signed by herfirst son, Igwe Linus Obayi, described the late matriarch as a devout Catholic, a paragon of royal grace, a mother to all, and an example in community service, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

“She believed in education and trained all her children because of her belief that her own children would help drive community emancipation,” he said.

The late Obayi, the wife of the last traditional ruler of Nsukka before the creation of autonomous communities by the Enugu State government, the late HRH Patrick Obayi, the Onogwu Atta IV and Ezeora I of Nsukka, was a foremost community leader who dedicated her life to community development and peaceful coexistence in her community.

She was a great believer in empowering women and defending the rights of the vulnerable in society. She mobilised the women in her community towards several community projects, which include the building and completion of the Catholic Church in the Nguru Nsukka community