Ime Akpan
President Bola Tinubu, former minister of education, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, former representative of Kaduna Central in the senate, Mr Shehu Sani, among others have expressed their condolences to the family of a veteran Nigerian musician and actress, Ms Onyeka Onwenu.
It was gathered that Onwenu, 72, died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party of the chairman and chief executive officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mr Stella Okoli.
Fondly called ‘Elegant Stallion’, Onwenu was reported to have slumped after performing at the event.
Born on January 31, 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Onyeka began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
The deceased released many albums and singles, including the hit song ‘One Love’, ‘You and I’, ‘Ekwe’, ‘Alleluia’, ‘Bia Nulu’, ‘Iyogogo’, ‘Dancing in the sun’, as well as ‘Wait For Me’ and ‘Choices’ which she did in collaboration with King Sunny Ade).
Besides, she acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film industry.
She won the Africa Movie Academy Award, AMAA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in the movie, ‘Women’s Cot.’
She also starred alongside Genevieve Nnaji in the movie ‘Lion heart.’
In addition to entertainment, Onwenu was also involved in politics.
She was a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
She was also appointed as the executive director/chief executive officer of the National Centre for Women Development by President Goodluck Jonathan.
She ran twice for the chairmanship of Ideato North local government area of Imo State and failed.
Onwenu was conferred with the national honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Onwenu was formerly married to a Yoruba Muslim, Mr Ogunlende, with whom she bore two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham.
In his condolence message, Tinubu mourned Onwenu, saying her edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked fervour of fellowship and harmony.
Spokesman for the president, Mr Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement on Wednesday that his principal described the deceased as ‘the Queen of Songs’.
“Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician,” the president added.
Tinubu recalled the many artistic interventions of the late music icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
He also celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He condoled with the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
He stated that Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces.
‘‘President Tinubu celebrates the life of the versatile and highly gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
“The president condoles with the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the deceased artiste’s soul and that she finds a place where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun”, the president added.
Ezekwesili, in her tribute, expressed her sorrow over the passing of Onwenu, describing it as “shocking and extremely tragic”.
In a statement on Wednesday, she eulogised Onwenu as a distinguished Nigerian who brought joy and laughter to many through her versatile artistic endeavours.
Ezekwesili highlighted Onwenu’s life, her exceptional talents as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer.
She wrote: “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her.
“Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA #NTANewsNow . Her news casting skills were unmatched.
“Her epic #BBCWorld documentary titled “A Squandering of Riches” will remain one of the greatest narrations of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.
“How about her giant strides as a songwriter, a musician, a performer, actor, producer! Distinction!!.”
She also acknowledged Onwenu’s political career, which followed in the footsteps of her father, D.K. Onwenu.
“Onyeka Onwenu later became a politician, following in the footsteps of her Dad- D. K. Onwenu.
“Her mom, Dame Hope Onwenu was an inspiration to their Generation of mothers. I recall how devastated my now-late mom was when Aunty Hope Onwenu died in 2011,” she added.
Ezekwesili fondly recalled Onwenu’s tribute to her mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, in the song “Ochie Dike Mama”, which has become an anthem for mothers since 2010.
“Before her death, Onyeka had eulogized her Dame Onwenu with that evergreen song- “Ochie Dike Mama” which we all began singing for our mothers since 2010 to date.
“We truly have lost a distinguished Nigerian in the death of Onyeka Onwenu.
“May God comfort and grant divine peace to her 2 sons, siblings and rest of Onwenu family.
For Sani, Nigeria has lost a legend and great artiste.
“Onyeka, the nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace,” he wrote on his X.
A former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri also paid tributes to the deceased musician, recalling his relationship with her songwriter and her impact on him.
“I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress Onyeka Onwenu, at 72. I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced.
“She was called the elegant stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence. Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace! Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten,” Omokri said on his X post.
For the lawyer and human rights activist, Mr Inibehe Effiong, Onwenu will be greatly missed.
He took to his X handle and wrote: “I woke up to the tragic news of the passing of a legend, Onyeka Onwenu. Through her deeply inspirational and entertaining music, she made us happy and thoughtful. She will be greatly missed. I wish her eternal rest.”
