The family of Ogun State's first civilian governor is in mourning following the death of its beloved matriarch. Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, wife of the late Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away at the remarkable age of 100.
A Life of Service and Family Dedication
Her daughter, Ms. Olubukunola Onabanjo, confirmed the sad news in a statement released on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The statement revealed that Chief (Mrs) Onabanjo was called to glory on Monday, January 11, 2026. The family expressed profound sorrow but also gratitude to God for her long and impactful life.
The announcement read, in part: “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.” Born in 1925, her life spanned a century of Nigerian history.
Tributes from Ogun State Leadership
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was among the first to pay tribute, having previously celebrated the centenarian's life. During her 95th birthday celebrations, Governor Abiodun described Mama Lucia Onabanjo as a woman of many parts whose legacy would inspire generations.
He highlighted her crucial role as the steadfast pillar behind her husband's pioneering political career. Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, a prolific journalist who wrote under the pen name 'Aiyekooto', served as the state's first executive governor after the return to civilian rule.
“She was a foremost pillar of support for Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, who suffered a great deal of personal deprivations while struggling to make a name in journalism and politics,” Governor Abiodun stated. He recalled Mama Lucia's own words to a journalist, noting that her husband was driven by service, not riches.
The Legacy of a Political Matriarch
Governor Abiodun praised her selflessness, noting she played less politics herself but was deeply invested in her family's welfare and her husband's work. “Behind every successful man, they say, is a woman. Mama suffered a lot of personal deprivations when Pa Onabanjo was always on the move, but she kept the home front,” he said.
Her steadfast management of the home ensured the children remained focused on their career paths, solidifying the family's enduring contribution to society. The Governor had previously prayed for her continued health to support development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
The passing of Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) marks the end of an era for one of Ogun State's most respected families. She leaves behind a legacy as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the quiet force behind a significant chapter in the state's political history.
