Her death was announced on Sunday by the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, in a statement issued on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
According to the statement, the late professor was the matriarch of the royal family and mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.
Professor Okonjo was also the wife of the late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of the community. The couple were married for 66 years.
The royal family described her as an exceptional woman whose life was marked by intellectual excellence, humility, compassion and commitment 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 noted that her contributions extended beyond Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her recognition and admiration in international academic circles.
Professor Okonjo’s death marks the loss of a prominent academic and a respected member of the Ogwashi-Uku royal family.
Her legacy, according to the family, includes her contributions to sociology, scholarship and the advancement of women’s rights and empowerment.
Further details regarding her funeral arrangements were not provided in the announcement.
