Ogun State is mourning the loss of a matriarch and historical pillar. Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of the state’s first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away at the remarkable age of 100.
The news was officially confirmed by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, Chairperson of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission. Mrs. Onabanjo transitioned peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at her home in Ijebu-Ode.
A Century of Grace and Service
Born in 1925, Lucia Onabanjo’s life was defined by more than just her political role. Before her husband's historic tenure as Governor (1979–1983), she was a dedicated educator.
Professional Background: She was an alumnus of the Teachers’ Training College in Yaba, Lagos.
Career: She devoted over 20 years to the teaching profession, shaping the minds of generations of Nigerian students.
Political Legacy: As the First Lady of Ogun State during the Second Republic, she was known for her quiet strength and unwavering support for her husband’s administration until his passing in 1990.
The Family’s Tribute
In a statement released on behalf of the family, Olubukunola Onabanjo expressed a mixture of sorrow and profound gratitude:
"We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo was called to glory, and we submit to the will of the Almighty."
As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her 100-year journey stands as a testament to resilience and the "Golden Era" of Nigerian public service.
