Mr Ihedioha took to Facebook to express his grief, saying, "Our Matriarch transits to eternity. After a fruitful and eventful life of God's abundant mercies and grace, our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha (nee Okereke), gloriously transited to eternity on Thursday, 20th April 2023 in Abuja, with her family by her side."
Dorothy Ihedioha celebrated her 90th birthday on August 28, 2022. The family expressed gratitude to friends and well-wishers who identified with them during her last days and requested that they continue to remember them in their prayers.
The news of Dorothy Ihedioha's passing has elicited messages of condolence from several political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and current Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma.
Atiku Abubakar expressed his sympathy to Emeka Ihedioha and his family, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of your dear mother, Dame Dorothy Ihedioha. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and those of my family. We pray for the peaceful repose of her soul and that the Almighty God will grant you and your family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss."
Bukola Saraki described the death of Dorothy Ihedioha as "a great loss not just to the Ihedioha family but also to Imo state and Nigeria as a whole." He commiserated with Emeka Ihedioha, his siblings, and the entire family, praying for God's comfort and strength in this difficult time.
Governor Uzodinma, who had been in political rivalry with Emeka Ihedioha, put politics aside to express his condolences to the Ihedioha family. He described the deceased as a "great matriarch" and prayed that God would grant her eternal rest.
Dorothy Ihedioha was a devoted Christian and philanthropist who dedicated her life to service. She was married to the late Chief Charles Ihedioha, who was the Ezeukwu of Nguru Nweke in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state.