Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, widow of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away. She died at the age of 100.
Her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, confirmed her death in a statement on Tuesday, saying that she died on Monday, January 11, 2026.
The statement reads: “The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” the statement read. “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.”
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who had previously described Mrs. Onabanjo as a woman of many parts, praised her contributions during her 95th birthday celebration. He highlighted her dedication to family and her husband’s welfare over politics.
Abiodun said: “She was a foremost pillar of support for Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, the pioneer executive governor of the state, who faced many personal deprivations while building a career in journalism and politics.”
“Chief Onabanjo was a prolific writer who penned the popular column ‘Aiyekooto.’ Mama once told a journalist that her husband wasn’t interested in riches but in service to the people. That kind of support helped make Papa Onabanjo a reference point in the political history of progressives in Nigeria.”
The governor recalled that despite personal sacrifices, Mrs. Onabanjo maintained the home and ensured the family stayed on track while supporting her husband’s public service. “Behind every successful man is a woman,” Abiodun noted.
“Mama suffered personal deprivations when Pa Onabanjo was always on the move, but she kept the home front and ensured the children and family did not lose direction. We thank Almighty God for her long life and pray that her legacy continues to inspire the socio-economic and political development of Ogun State and the country.”