Monica Okah, mother-in-law of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, has died at the age of 95.
The Okah family announced her death in an obituary released on Wednesday by Isaac Okah. According to the statement, Mrs Okah died on March 20 and will be buried on May 28.
Mr Okah said the late matriarch was survived by nine children, including Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of the former deputy senate president.
Burial activities will begin on May 25 with a service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu.
A wake and requiem mass will also hold at her hometown in Enugu-Agu Achi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Her remains will be laid to rest on May 28 after a funeral service at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Agu Achi. A thanksgiving mass will hold at the same church on May 31.
Governor Peter Mbah, in a tribute, said Mrs Okah lived a life of service to God and humanity. “She not only lived to the age of 95, but also made marks as a community leader and peace builder,” he said.
Governor Alex Otti described her as a Christian and community leader who cared for people around her.
Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara said she touched many lives through her kindness and role as a mother figure.
Former Senate President and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Pius Anyim said her long life reflected commitment to family and community.
Ike Ekweremadu served as deputy senate president from 2007 to 2019 and represented Enugu West Senatorial District in the Senate for several years.
In 2022, Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice were arrested in the United Kingdom over a kidney trafficking case involving a young Nigerian, David Nwamini.
In March 2023, a court in the UK convicted Ekweremadu, his wife and medical doctor Obinna Obeta in the case. Ekweremadu was later sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, while Beatrice Ekweremadu received a four years and six months prison sentence.
Beatrice returned to Nigeria in January 2025 after her release from prison.
