by Doyin Jaiyesimi

News of the death of Josephine Okoye, the mother of Peter and Paul Okoye, broke in the early hours of today. However, little was known about the cause of her death. It has now been confirmed that she passed away after five hours of undergoing heart surgery in an Indian hospital in Kolkota. Ms Okoye who had been ill for some time was initially admitted at St Nicholas hospital in Lagos. She was later flown to India when her condition deteriorated.

A condolence register has already been opened for the deceased at the Okoye’s residence in Omole Phase 1. Friends and colleagues have poured in to commiserate with the family. When prompted to speak about his mother’s death, Peter Okoye had this to say:

“You know that she was a prayer warrior, so I don’t need to tell you how she stood by us spiritually. Besides, she was the only one that believed in us when we decided to make a career out of music. I can remember that she used to sneak us out at night then to attend shows without the consent of our father who insisted that we must quit music to face our education.”

Ms Okoye is survived by her husband, children and grand-children, including Cameron, Peter’s son.