Edna Ibru (née Park), ex-Miss Nigeria and former First Lady of Delta State, has died at the age of 80.
She died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in a London hospital following a brief illness.
The late Edna, who was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1964, made history as the first Nigerian and African to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant.
She was married to Olorogun Ibru, the first civilian governor of Delta State, who served from 1991 to 1992.
The couple had two children together.
In a statement issued by her son Paul Ibru, and made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday, the family confirmed her passing.
“Our amazing mother passed into glory on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family described her as a compassionate woman who touched many lives.
“Until her death, she was full of life, and we never expected her to leave us so soon. She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down-to-earth, full of stories all the time, and we will miss her very dearly,” Paul wrote.
Details of her burial will be announced later by the family.
