…Abiodun mourns
The wife of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Madam Lucia Onabanjo, has died at the age of 100.
Her demise was announced by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Onabanjo, the matriarch of the Onabanjo family passed away peacefully on Monday.
The statement partly reads, “The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
“Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.
“We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
Her husband, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, was the first civilian governor of Ogun State, serving from 1979 to 1983.
He was also a prominent journalist, widely known for his weekly column, Ayekooto, until his death in 1990.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who reportedly died at the age of 100.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, the governor described the demise of Mrs Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled and distinguished life devoted to God, family and humanity.
Abiodun said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 was also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.
He explained that Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights and social justice in Nigeria.
The governor said, “After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.
“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort and hope to everyone around her.
“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.
“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.
“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith and commitment to development.