Nigerian music legend Onyeka Onwenu, affectionately known as the “Elegant Stallion,” has been laid to rest in Lagos State. Her funeral service was held on Friday at the Fountain of Life Church in the Ilupeju area of Lagos, followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi.
Onwenu had collapsed after delivering a remarkable performance at Stella Okoli’s birthday party in Lagos on July 30. She was immediately rushed to the Reddington Hospital, where she later passed away.
Prominent figures, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, attended the funeral service to pay their respects. In his tribute, Peter Obi described Onwenu as a national treasure who was committed to the vision of a united and progressive Nigeria. He reflected on her final performance, noting that her choice to sing “One Love Keep Us Together” highlighted her enduring belief in unity.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a national treasure who believed in a more united and progressive Nigeria. Her final performance of ‘One Love Keep Us Together’ speaks volumes about her ideals. I extend my condolences to her children, family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May God grant her eternal rest and continue to bless her family,” Obi wrote on his social media platform.
Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the early 1980s with the release of her debut album, For the Love of You, in 1981. She became known for her powerful voice and hit songs like “One Love.” Beyond music, Onwenu also made significant contributions to Nollywood, starring in several films and earning numerous awards for her work in both music and film, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian entertainment.
In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Onwenu played a role in politics and public service. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and was appointed Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016. Her contributions to Nigerian society were recognized in 2011 when she was awarded the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
