Popular singer and music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who died on July 30, 2024, after a performance at an event, was buried in Lagos on Friday, August 30, 2024.
The 72-year-old singer who was last seen performing at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, honouring Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Stella Okoli,
According to the arrangement, a song of service was held at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, 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, been transported by a white chariot to the venues. Also, at the service, friends and family of the deceased were allowed to pen down their tributes at the condolence table which was beautified with flowers and candles.
One of the notable persons spotted at the event is a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
He 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”
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 grace.
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