Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu Anioma, passes on

Multiple sources confirm the passage of amiable traditionalist and only Igbo female traditional ruler, Obi Martha Dunkwu,  the Omu Anioma. 

Obi Martha was also an advocate of Aku-Luo-Uno, the call for greater investment of Igbo wealth in their native land. She was fiercely proud of her dual identity as Igbo and Niger Deltan.

The personable and popular majesty died yesterday 17 February 2024 at Asaba Specialist Hospital in the State capital. She was admitted on Wednesday for undisclosed health complications.

An extremely courageous and truthful woman, she carried the dignity of her office with admirable grace and elegance. 

Everyone knew her as an apostle of Igbo unity and a champion of the preservation of Igbo culture and practices.

Obi Martha was also an advocate of Aku-luo-uno, the call for greater investment of Igbo wealth in their native land. She was fiercely proud of her dual identity as Igbo and Niger Deltan.

.At the national level, she is recognized for her work on peacebuilding in the Niger Delta.

Additionally, she consistently advocated  for traditional Institutions to leverage the power of women and youths for peace, security and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta.

Life and times of Obi Martha Dunkwu

Obi Martha wore three caps: She was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26 January 2002, Omu Anioma on 15 January 2010, and Nneoha (mother of all) on 19 October 2020. Until her demise, she was more popularly known as Omu Anioma.

Born at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Martha attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

After passing out of St. Mulumba’s College, Okpanam, she worked for a couple of years in the Ministry of Finance in Benin City, old Bendel State before traveling to London to study at the Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) for a diploma in English and Secretarial Studies.

She later attended South West London College, England, Henderson State University, Arkansas and University of Nevada in the USA. 

Take a listen to Obi Martha as she spoke to Aljazeera on the over eight centuries throne that she occupied.