From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Idu Jude, Abuja, Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Shock and eulogies have trailed the passage of songstress, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist and politician, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu.
She had just completed a performance at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli on Tuesday evening when she slumped and was rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she died at the age of 72.
In his condolences to the family of the late singer, President Bola Tinubu said she was a versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical 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.
President Tinubu condoled with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.
The President stated that Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces.
Her death has devastated me -Peter Obi
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, said her death has devastated him.
The former Anambra State governor, who disclosed that he watched as doctors battled to save her life in vain after her elegant performance on stage noted that she left with a striking song in her last performance on earth, “One Love Keep Us Together.”
Writing on his X handle, Obi said: “Yesterday provided a totally devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory.
“I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.
“It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital I followed her to the hospital, I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone. Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle.
‘My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Onyeka Onwenu was a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the entire nation, and she will be deeply missed.
“I want to thank everyone who accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh, Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo, and Mr Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined in also and Mr. Femi Ajayi who equally returned to the hospital this morning when we had to finalize everything about her passing.
“May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all. My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives.”
I’m deeply saddened – First Lady
The First Lady, Olufemi Tinubu, in a statement she personally signed, described her as an extraordinary talent, whose creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “The Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, especially as I still interacted with her not too long ago during the event to celebrate Mothers of our Nation, on the 25th of May, 2024.
“Her extraordinary talent, creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song “One Love Keep Us Together,” have left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but across the world.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss.
“She left us doing what she loved. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Exit of a nightingale -Mbah
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole.
“This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.
“She was also a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defense and advancement of truth, justice and equity.
“Onwenu will be sorely missed, but it is consoling that she lived life to the fullest of her talents, sowing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity and will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa.”
PMAN, AGN, others mourn
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and music fans expressed shock and sadness.
Sydney Asowari, PMAN FCT governor, said the late singer died at a time when her wealth of experience was mostly needed in the entertainment industry.
According to him, Onyeka’s contributions to the growth of the music industry and her impact will remain indelible on the sand of time.
“It is a great loss to us especially entertainers and musicians because Onyeka was the stallion, one of the founding members of what we are enjoying today.
“It was really devastating when we heard the news, however our solace is in the fact that she died in active service and left unforgettable memories.
“She was a versatile musician that gave us standard and how to use music to preach love, peace and unity among Nigerians and beyond.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a social crusader who always preached love, especially with her popular and timeless song, One love keep us Together.
“It is really sad because we were still tapping from her knowledge and so we are mourning now because this is a great loss,” he said.
Also, Mercy Salma, FCT Mayor of AGN, said the passing of the music legend was a big loss to not just the music industry, but the entertainment industry at large.
“The news of the passing of Onyeka Onwenu has struck the entertainment industry with mourning once again, and a lot of actors have been pouring out their hearts in grief.
“We are totally short of words because this is not the news we are expecting in a time like this, because even at 100 she would have still been useful to us.
“I am sure that it is not only the movie industry that will miss her, but the music industry, her fans and Nigerians at large will miss her,” she said.
Also, music fans have continued to pay tribute to the late singer on social media (Instagram) space, saluting her contribution to nation building.
She repositioned women, less privileged lives -DG, Women Centre
Dr. Asabe Vilita-Bashir, director general, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) has described the late singer as a visionary leader who repositioned women and less privileged in Nigeria.
Onwenu was a former D-G of the centre.
”It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we received the passing of one of our own former D-G at the MBNCWD and Nigeria’s musical icon, Lady Onyeka Onwenu.
”The legendary singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural ambassador left an indelible mark in the music industry, the arts, and the hearts of fans worldwide.
”As a D-G of the centre, she repositioned it as a training ground for women, children and the less privileged, while also spotlighting the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
”This brought about developing rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in the mainstream budget of the centre in the three most affected States in the North East of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
”She also produced and dedicated an epic music titled “Not Alone” to identify with the plights of the IDPs.
”It is also during her tenure as D-G that the International Day for the Girl-Child (October 11) was first celebrated nationally in Nigeria.”
Vilita-Bashir added that the late Onwenu during her tenure as the D-G of the centre endorsed the formal training of female Artisans in the centre and promoted the production of Ankara made souvenirs.
She disclosed that a condolence register had been opened in the centre for the public to express their condolences to the late former D-G.