By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Mrs. Edna Ibru, the first civilian First Lady of Delta State and wife of former Governor Olorogun Felix Ibru, has passed away at the age of 80. She died in London on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
A former Miss Nigeria in 1964, Mrs. Ibru also made history as the first Nigerian and African to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant.
She was married to Olorogun Felix Ibru, who served as Delta State’s first democratically elected executive governor from 1991 to 1992. The couple had two children.
The Ibru family, hailing from Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Delta State, confirmed her death in a statement issued by their son, Dr. Paul Aidido Ibru, on Saturday.
In the statement, Dr. Ibru expressed profound grief, describing his mother as “full of life” until her passing. He also praised her for her love of people, mediation skills, humor, and deep care for others.
“Our amazing mother passed into glory on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness,” Dr. Ibru wrote. “Until her death, she was full of life and we never expected her to leave us so soon, but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.”
“She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly,” he added.
The family has announced that burial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
Mrs. Ibru’s passing has left a significant impact on her family, friends, and the broader community, where she was well-known for her compassionate and vibrant personality.
