Former Miss Nigeria, Mrs. Edna Ibru, has passed away in London after a brief illness. The iconic beauty queen, who was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1964 at the age of 19, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. She was the widow of the late Felix Ibru, the first Executive Governor of Delta State.
Her son, Paul Aidido Ibru, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, recalling the cherished memories and profound impact of his mother.
“Our fantastic mother passed into glory on 15 January 2025 after a brief illness. 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,” the statement read.
Describing Mrs. Ibru as “a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, and down-to-earth,” Paul expressed the immense void her passing has left in their lives.
Edna Ibru’s journey to national fame began with her victory in the Miss Nigeria pageant, which earned her the honor of representing Nigeria at the Miss World competition in the United States the same year. Beyond her title, she was an accomplished businesswoman who trained as a fashion designer and hairdresser. She ran Sherina Hair Care, a salon in England, for eight years before transitioning fully into fashion design.
In a memorable 2017 interview with Thisday, Mrs. Ibru reflected on life and death, saying, “I am not quite sure where I will go, but I know I am going somewhere, and I know I will come back (on the day of resurrection). But when I die, what I want is good music.”
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing it as a painful loss to the Ibru family and Delta State as a whole. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor paid tribute to Mrs. Ibru, praising her as a supportive wife, a devoted mother, and a woman of faith.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a great woman of substance, a caring mother, and loving wife, Mrs. Edna Ibru. Her passing is a significant loss, especially now when her family needs her wise counsel the most,” Oborevwori said.
He also commended her unwavering support for her husband’s political career, which culminated in his historic election as the first Executive Governor of Delta State.
The governor prayed for God’s comfort for the Ibru family and for the eternal repose of Mrs. Ibru’s soul.
Edna Ibru’s legacy as a beauty queen, entrepreneur, and beloved matriarch will be remembered for years to come.
