Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, have commiserated with the Okonjo family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area, over the death of their matriarch, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, who passed on Friday at the age of 96.

Oborevwori, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ekpen Ahon, described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to academia, women’s empowerment and society would remain indelible.

Kamene is the mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo.

While expressing grief over her demise, the governor acknowledged the deceased’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to humanity.

He noted that her achievements in scholarship and advocacy for women’s rights had earned her recognition beyond Nigeria, while her humility, compassion and commitment to service distinguished her as a woman of exceptional character.

He extended his condolences to the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II; and other members of the immediate, extended Okonjo family and the kingdom, praying God to grant them the strength to bear the loss.

Reacting to the passing of the former Queen of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Guwor, who is the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, described the late Prof. Okonjo as a distinguished matriarch who shaped destinies.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker said the nonagenarian’s demise remains a painful loss not only to the Okonjo family and Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, but to Delta State and Nigeria at large.

He noted that the late matriarch was not just the mother of a global icon, but an accomplished academic, a revered traditional queen, a community builder and a mother to many whose life was defined by service, intellect and unwavering faith in God.

“As a professor, she moulded destinies; as a queen, she served with dignity; and as a mother, she raised children who have become pride to Delta, Nigeria and Africa on the global stage,” Guwor said.

The Conference of Speakers Chairman added that it was fulfilling that Prof. Okonjo lived long enough to witness the global accomplishments of her daughter and the crowning of her son as a king, describing it as the ultimate joy of every virtuous mother.

Guwor, on behalf of colleague Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly across the federation and the Delta State House of Assembly, condoled with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the entire Okonjo family, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the people of Aniocha South over the great loss.

The Chairman prayed Almighty God to grant her gentle soul eternal rest and to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and the grace to preserve her worthy legacies.