By Ighomuaye Lucky.O
A Nigerian female King, the Omu of Okpanam land in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, has died, aged, 69.
Obi Dunkwu, is said to be one of the very few female royalties in the present Igbo land and she was held in high regard, as she spent her lifetime promoting Igbo traditions, culture and heritage, especially with regards to Anioma land of Delta State.
Omu Martha Dunkwu stood as the final embodiment of her lineage, serving as a guardian of tradition, a guiding force in her community, and a passionate advocate.
She was a king of many first.
A brief history of the Nigerian female King
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, 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 States of America.
Obi Martha Dunkwu was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26th January 2002, Omu Anioma on 15th January 2010 and NNEOHA on 19th October, 2020.
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 is 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 of Warri, Sapele, Asaba and Ethiope Chambers of Commerce, Pioneer Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Honorary Life Vice President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Member, Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical & Vocational Education and Training, TVET (2012-2013) and Member of Board, National Orientation Agency, NOA (2013-2015), and she was awarded Anioma Man of the Year 2014 by Anioma Trust Newspapers.
