The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has lost her mother, Professor Kamene Okonjo, who reportedly died at the age of 96.
The announcement was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, by the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
The development marks a personal loss for Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian economist and international development expert who has served in several influential positions in Nigeria and abroad.
The announcement from the royal family confirmed the death but did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding it or the date of her passing.
Funeral arrangements and other information concerning the family’s plans were also not included in the announcement available.
Kamene Okonjo Dies at 96
Professor Kamene Okonjo was widely known as the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation in March 2021.
Her death was formally announced by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family through the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State.
The family announcement identified the deceased as Professor Kamene Okonjo, while subsequent reports gave her age as 96.
Further details about her academic career, personal life and contributions were not included in the announcement cited.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Career
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in international economic policy.
Before becoming WTO Director-General, she served twice as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. During her second tenure, she also served as Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
She previously spent 25 years at the World Bank, rising to the position of managing director, where she held significant responsibilities in development financing and international economic policy.
Her appointment to lead the WTO in 2021 marked a historic milestone for women and African representation in global economic leadership.
The WTO oversees the international framework governing trade among its members and provides mechanisms for trade negotiations and the resolution of disputes.
Family Yet to Announce Funeral Arrangements
The announcement issued on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family did not include details about the funeral or burial arrangements.
No further information about the circumstances of Professor Kamene Okonjo’s death was provided in the announcement.
Additional details are expected to depend on subsequent communications from the family.
The development has drawn attention because of Okonjo-Iweala’s international standing and her longstanding role in Nigeria’s public and economic life.
As of the announcement, no specific statements of condolence from government officials or international organisations were included in the information available.
The death of Professor Kamene Okonjo marks a personal loss for the WTO chief and her family.
Further updates may provide additional information about the funeral arrangements and tributes from relatives, associates and public figures.
