𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗲𝘅-𝗢𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆

By Prosper Mene

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound condolences to the Government and people of Ogun State, as well as the Onabanjo family, following the death of Chief Lucia Onabanjo, the wife of the state’s first civilian governor and a revered matriarch.

Chief Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, born in 1925, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101. She was the spouse of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, who served as Ogun State’s governor from 1979 to 1983 during Nigeria’s Second Republic. The family announced her passing in a statement signed by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, describing her as a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was “called to glory” with gratitude to Almighty God.

In an official statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late Chief Onabanjo as a woman whose life exemplified compassion, service, and deep commitment to humanity. He highlighted the outpouring of tributes from her community, state, and nation as evidence of her lasting impact.

“Lucia Onabanjo’s strong support for her husband when he served as Ogun State Governor for four years, 1979–1983, was commendable, and her keen interest in issues of children and empowerment of women was exemplary,” President Tinubu said.

The President praised her charitable works and dedication to the poor and vulnerable, noting that her legacy of kindness and charity would continue to resonate. He urged the Ogun State Government and family members to immortalize her contributions by promoting her values of love and support for those in need.

“I do not doubt that her legacy of charity and kindness will continue to resonate,” Tinubu added. “I urge the Ogun State Government and family members to immortalise her by projecting her legacy of love for the poor and vulnerable.”

He concluded with prayers for divine comfort: “I pray that the Almighty God will receive Lucia Onabanjo’s soul, and continue to strengthen her family.”

Chief Lucia Onabanjo lived a life marked by modesty, strong family values, and advocacy for parental responsibility and discipline. Her husband’s tenure as governor and his journalistic career, famous for his column “Ayekooto” placed the family at the forefront of Ogun State’s early democratic history.

Burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family. The passing of this centenarian matriarch has drawn widespread sympathy, reflecting her enduring influence on generations in Ogun State and beyond.