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Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, wife of the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, Bisi Onabanjo, has died at the age of 100, her family announced on Tuesday.
Her death was confirmed in a statement by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, who said Mrs Onabanjo died on Monday, January 11.
“The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” the statement said.
“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.”
Mrs Onabanjo was the wife of Bisi Onabanjo, the first civilian governor of Ogun State, who served from 1979 to 1983.
Born in Ijebu-Ode, she moved to Lagos at about the age of ten, where she received her early education. She later trained at a teachers’ training college in Yaba, Lagos, and worked as a teacher for 22 years before retiring.
The marriage between Lucia Onabanjo and Bisi Onabanjo produced four children, two sons and two daughters, although their first daughter died earlier.
Despite her husband’s political position, the family said Mrs Onabanjo lived a modest life and valued simplicity. She often spoke about the importance of strong home training, parental responsibility, and discipline, and expressed concern about what she saw as a decline in parental authority in modern times.
She was a senior member of the Catholic community and served as the Iya Ijo of St Sebastian Catholic Cathedral.
At her 100th birthday celebration in October 2025, President Bola Tinubu described her as “a reflection of grace, wisdom, and enduring service,” praising her resilience, faith and moral strength.
