Igbos had only one recognised female traditional ruler. Now she is no more. Nneoha HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu of Okpanam but popularly called Omu Anioma, has died after a brief illness shortly after spending 21 years on the throne. Her passage has evoked mourning across Igbo land, especially in her home state, Delta.

She died yesterday, Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Asaba Specialist Hospital in the Delta State capital, where she had been on admission after taking ill two days earlier.

“The late Dunkwu epitomized beauty, courage, truthfulness, elegance and dignity of royalty,” says Political Economist NG published by a foremost journalist from the area.

A cross section of respondents who spoke said they will miss her for standing for the unity of Igbo nation no matter their state of origin, according to the portal.

As per Political Economist NG, “She was very vocal and strongly advocated for the preservation of Igbo traditional institutions.

“She also campaigned for all Igbo sons and daughters to bring their wealth home and invest in the Igboland. She never shied away from her Igboness and a true Deltan.

“She consistently advocated for the inclusivity of the Traditional Institutions, Women and Youths in actualising the goals of peace, security and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta region.

“Recently, she was among eminent Nigerians invited by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, to evaluate years of work done on early warning signals, peacebuilding mechanisms for the Niger Delta.”