By Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor

On 16 February 2024, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma/Nneoha, a highly respected and spiritual monarch in Delta State, joined her ancestors. For nearly three decades, Obi Dunkwu bestrode the rich cultural tapestry of Anioma like a colossus, with her unwavering commitment to culture and tradition. She was also a shining light in education, empowerment, social issues, community development, tourism, and public enlightenment. Indeed, she was a revolutionary and visionary monarch who devised ingenious plans to serve her people in particular and humanity in general. At the end of the day, this woman of virtue—an accomplished and uncommon amazon—acquitted herself creditably in all that she did.

But how does one begin to write the story or tribute of an amazing mother, an extraordinary woman who was considered morally excellent and admirable by every conceivable standard?

The truth, an incontrovertible one, is that my mother was deeply rooted in kindness, faithfulness, love, and humility. She healed wounds, fostered an atmosphere of endless possibilities, and gave many people wings to fly. So, I thank you, my dear mother, for believing in us and loving unconditionally. You were not called Nneoha (Mother to All) for nothing. Your love was not only infectious but also widespread. You loved all your children—hundreds and thousands of them—equally and unreservedly. Losing you has been one of the deepest and most devastating sorrows a heart can endure.

It may interest the reader to know that every day, we, your children, wonder how we have managed to cope without your physical presence in our lives. But we are certain that you are still with us, your deep spirituality keeping you ever present. Yes, we can no longer hear your sweet voice or bask in your conviviality and good humor, but we feel you always. And what about the permanent smile on your face? That, too, remains etched in our memories. We are consoled by your remarkable life and the indelible impact you have left, not only on this generation but on those yet to come.

Obi Martha Dunkwu was indeed a woman and monarch of many dimensions, and her diverse skills and commitment to a better society continue to speak eloquently for her, even after her extraordinary earthly journey. So, the question should be: What was she not? A humanist, administrator, public relations practitioner, cultural theorist, gender rights advocate, public intellectual, and more. Indeed, my mother loved fashion, adventure, the arts, crafts, culture and tradition, literature, community service, peace, and solidarity, especially with the less privileged. But above all, Obi Martha Dunkwu loved life. She strongly believed in the beauty of the world, a beauty often unknown and unappreciated by many. An unapologetic Africanist, she was deeply committed to African affairs and the core values inherent in our traditions and way of life. I am sure that many of us, her children, could not have wished for a better mother.

To say that Obi Martha Dunkwu lived a happy, healthy, energetic, and fulfilling life would be an understatement. Aside from working tirelessly for peace and reconciliation in times of uncertainty, this extraordinary monarch made every moment of her life and interactions unforgettable. She was prepared for the future and accepted whatever it brought her way with grace and wisdom. This readiness may explain why she devoted herself to others, always putting their needs before her own, regardless of the circumstances. In doing so, she made a profound difference in the lives of countless people. But she was also a great bridge-builder. Our dear mother nurtured relationships that transcended conflicts, as long as they served the common good.

Apart from the countless awards and recognitions she received, almost weekly, Omu Anioma dedicated much of her time and resources to promoting the virtues of peace, unity, and love, irrespective of tribe or tongue. Yes, Obi Martha Dunkwu has gone to be with her Maker, but she left behind a legacy of institutions and people who were touched by her presence. She was never caught unawares by death’s inevitability; rather, she was conscious and mentally prepared for its arrival. When it finally came, she met it with peace and dignity.

What more can be said about such a great and extraordinary life?

I believe the entire Anioma nation, and indeed, Igbo-speaking people across the world, owe this amazon a great debt of gratitude. First, for her courage in institutionalizing the Omuship system and transforming it, thereby giving women a voice. Secondly, for her feminine strength, intellectual prowess, and her contributions to addressing harmful traditional practices against women, customs that are now widely recognized as forms of gender-based violence. Her dedication to social causes was vast and unwavering, including her advocacy for girl-child education, women’s empowerment, scholarships and research funding, market reconstruction, and numerous other initiatives.

Omu Anioma was fortunate to have been honored with many awards during her lifetime. Among them was her inclusion in 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century. Her remarkable work also attracted global media attention, drawing many to her office and palace in Okpanam, her home in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

It is important to note that Omu’s insatiable thirst for knowledge, enlightenment, and cross-cultural studies took her to many prestigious institutions, both in Nigeria and beyond. These included St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State; St. Murumba’s College, Okpanam, Delta State; L.T.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies, London, United Kingdom; Henderson State University, Arkansas; and the University of Nevada, United States of America. She was crowned Omu Okpanam on 26 January 2002, Omu Anioma on 15 January 2019, and Nneoha on 19 October 2020.

Rest well, our dear mother. All of us who knew and loved you miss you greatly. For as long as we live, we will continue to express our gratitude for the time we shared with you.

Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor
Lecturer, Department of Microbiology University of Benin