The nation is in mourning following the death of Chief Lucia Onabanjo, the former First Lady of Ogun State and wife of the state's first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo. She passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101.
President Tinubu's Heartfelt Tribute
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the loss. In a condolence message released on Tuesday, January 13, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his sympathies to the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates.
President Tinubu celebrated the late matriarch's enduring legacy, highlighting her compassionate investments in the lives of women and children within her community, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large. He noted that testimonies from her lifetime and upon her passing affirm her impactful life.
The President specifically commended her strong support for her husband during his tenure as Governor from 1979 to 1983 and described her keen interest in children's issues and women's empowerment as exemplary.
A Call for Immortalisation
In his statement, President Tinubu went beyond condolences to call for a lasting honour for Chief Lucia Onabanjo's contributions. He urged the Ogun State government to immortalise her, ensuring that her legacy of kindness and service continues to resonate for generations to come.
The President expressed confidence that her charitable work and benevolent spirit would have a lasting impact, stating that her kindness will continue to echo within the hearts of those she touched.
Nigerians React to the Loss
The news has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from Nigerians online. Many took to the comment section of the presidential post to share their condolences and personal memories of the former first lady.
Extraordinary Ustaz thanked President Tinubu on behalf of the Onabanjo family, writing: "The Onabanjo family sincerely appreciates President Tinubu for his heartfelt condolences and kind words... We are grateful for the honour accorded her legacy."
Al Hassan Watara prayed for her soul, noting: "May her soul rest in eternal peace. Chief Lucia Onabanjo’s life of service, compassion, and dedication to women and children will continue to inspire generations."
Anthony Ogunniyi shared a personal recollection, praising her humility: "I experienced her generous, compassionate, and disciplined spirit. As the wife of an ex-governor, she lived humbly among the people in Fidipote, Ijebu Ode, a virtue rare among today’s politicians."
Another user, Oke Oluwole, used the moment to offer prayers for the Tinubu administration, showing how the news resonated within the broader political context.
The passing of Chief Lucia Onabanjo marks the end of an era, recalling a foundational period in Ogun State's democratic history. Her life, spanning over a century, was one dedicated to public service alongside her husband and to philanthropic causes that uplifted the vulnerable, leaving a void in the community she served so selflessly.
