Tears, Tributes Flow As Music Icon Onyeka Onwenu Goes Home

• Laid to rest in a private burial at Ebony Vault in Ikoyi, Lagos State

  

Tears and tributes flowed in torrents from family members, friends, sympathisers and well-wishers as veteran music legend and popular actress, Onyeka Onwenu, was laid to rest on Friday, August 30, 2024 in Lagos.

The 72-year-old music icon, aka ‘Elegant Stallion’, was confirmed dead on July 30, 2024 at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, after she slumped while performing at the birthday party in honour of Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

The Service of Songs for the late singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist and politician took place at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju area of Lagos, from 10 am to 12 noon, followed by a private burial at Ebony Vault in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Her remains were placed in a white coffin, transported by a white chariot to the respective venues, even as friends and family members penned down their tributes in the condolence register displayed on a table beautifully adorned with flowers and candles.

Among the notable personalities at the event was the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi

Obi also posted on his X page; “Today in Lagos, I joined family, friends and other mourners to pay my last respects to the late iconic song star, my very dear elder sister, Onyeka Onwenu, who was laid to rest. I still recall, with pain, her final moments before she took the final bow on 30th July all of which I completely witnessed.

“Late Onyeka Onwenu remained a national treasure, who believed in a more united and progressive Nigeria. In her last performance on stage before the tragic incident that fateful day, she sang her popular song, “One Love Keep Us Together”, and this bears significant testament to her belief while she lived here on earth.

“Once again, I like to extend my condolences to her children, family, friends, loved ones, and all of us, during this difficult time. May we all find the strength and courage to bear her sad irreplaceable loss. May God grant her eternal rest and protect, and bless her family always. – PO”.

On his part, popular Singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor, and producer, Charly Boy posted the video of the burial process and captioned it; “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains. Farewell our darling Onyeka Owenu. You are Loved.”

Also posting a picture of himself standing with Onwenu, a Nigerian writer, jazz musician and filmmaker, Onyeka Nwelue wrote on his X page; “When EFCC released me from their Benin cell, Onyeka Onwenu called Magu in front of me and told him, “Sir, this is my son your people locked up without telling him what he did.” Might I need another protector?”

Born on January 31, 1952, in Imo State, Nigeria, Onyeka, who is survived by two sons, started her career as a singer and rose to fame with her distinctive voice and meaningful lyrics that address issues in society.

She became known as the “Elegant Stallion” for her grace and immaculate performances that always held the audience spell-bound.

Onyeka served as the Executive Director of the National Centre for Women Development and used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and social justice. No doubt, her impact was not only limited to entertainment; she was a passionate voice in the fight against corruption as well as promoting national unity.

The outpouring of condolence messages from President Bola Tinubu, fellow celebrities, and her countless fans is a testament to her profound impact on society.

While alive, Onwenu had expressed desire for a simple and private burial. True to her wishes, the funeral service and burial were modest, reflecting her life and celebrating her legacy not a grand display of mourning her death.