By Anthony Awunor 

The Omu of Okpanam Kingdom, Oshimili North Local Government Area and Anioma, Delta State, Her Royal Highness, Obi Martha Dumkwu, has passed on. 

She joined her ancestors at the age of 68 on the 16th February, 2024, after a brief illness. 

She was last seen in a public function with the Senator, representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate, Ned Nwoko.

A pan-Africanist, she has the good record of being the very first person to modernism and beautify the Omu institution in Anioma land.

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

 She worked for a couple of years in Ministry of Finance, Benin City, Edo State before proceeding to L.T.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies, London, England.

She also attended South West London College, England, Henderson State University, Arkansas and University of Nevada, United State of America.

Obi Martha Dunkwu was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26th January 2002 and Omu Anioma on 15th January 2010. On 7th October 1998, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin presented Obi Martha Dunkwu Royal Beads (Ivie-Urhu -Beaded Necklace).

She was a Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member, Institute of Administrative Management (MIAM), England, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM), Past and First Female President, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Past and First Female President, Delta State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DELCIMMA) comprising Warri, Sapele, Asaba and Ethiope Chambers of Commerce and National Officer, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Member, Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Member of Board, National Orientation Agency.