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| The late Onyeka Onwenu |
Nigeria's celebrated music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, known as "The Elegant Stallion," was buried in Lagos on Friday, August 30, 2024, following her passing on July 30, 2024.
The 72-year-old singer had collapsed during a performance at an event honoring Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, at Reddington Hospital in Ikeja.
The funeral service, held between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries, close friends, and family members. Notable attendees included former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
In line with her expressed wishes for a simple and private burial, the ceremony was modest and reflective of her life and legacy. Onwenu had previously stated her preference for a quiet and private burial, emphasizing the importance of celebrating her life with prayers, lunch, or dinner, rather than lavish displays of mourning[1].
The private burial took place at Ebony Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, where family and close friends gathered for a final farewell. Onwenu's multifaceted career, which spanned music, acting, broadcasting, politics, and activism, has left a profound impact on Nigerian society, and her death has been met with widespread grief and tributes from across the nation.
Writing on his X page, Mr. Peter Obi posted: “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”
Also, 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.”
A Nigerian writer, jazz musician and filmmaker, Onyeka Nwelue posted a picture of himself standing with Onwenu and 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?”
Not only was she a singer, Onwenu was a broadcaster, actress, politician, and activist. The singer is survived by two sons.
Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Imo State, Nigeria. When she started her career as a singer, Onwenu rose to fame with her distinctive voice and meaningful lyrics that address issues in society. She became known as the “Elegant Stallion” for her graceful carriage.
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