Nigeria's celebrated music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, known as 'The Elegant Stallion', has been laid to rest.
The 72-year-old music star was laid to rest on Friday in a private and solemn ceremony at the Ebony Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, Lagos, in accordance with her wishes.
His burial took place after a funeral service held between 10am and 12pm at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos.
The iconic singer died on July 30 after collapsing during an event in Lagos.
The funeral service and burial were attended by choir performances, dignitaries, close friends and family who came to pay their last respects.
Onyeka Onwenu buried
Among those in attendance were former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who had close ties to the late Onwenu respectively.
Ms Onwenu, whose influence spanned across music, acting, broadcasting, politics and activism, died at the Reddington Hospital in Ikeja after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. Her multi-faceted career and unwavering commitment to social causes made her a revered figure in Nigeria and beyond.
Article page with promotion of financial support The son of the late Onyeka and Peter Obi at the funeral
Her death sent waves of grief across the country. She was an entertainment icon and a voice for social justice and women’s rights. The outpouring of condolences from President Bola Tinubu, other celebrities and her countless supporters is a testament to her profound impact on society.
Wishes fulfilled
Ms Onwenu had long expressed her wish for a simple and private burial.
The late 72-year-old singer revealed this in a 2021 opinion piece in PREMIUM TIMES after the much-publicized and lavish burial of famous businessman Obi Cubana’s mother, Uche Iyiegbu, held on July 16, 2021.
Family pays tribute to late Onwenu
She said: “I have told my family how I want to be buried. Do it quickly, quietly and privately. Celebrate my funeral with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share a few jokes about me and laugh. Cry, but not excessively. Make merry and then go about your business.
“On her (Onyeka’s mother, Hope Onwenu) hospital bed, just three days before she passed away, I reaffirmed that promise – it was important to her and she died knowing that I would keep my word. I hope Onwenu’s burial was not like the Oba’s recently, but it was elaborate and expensive. Still, I felt satisfied that I kept my promise. What I want to say here is that every person has their own emotions, even within a family. I do not condemn anyone for the way they mourn their loss with their hard-earned money.
“Still, I am very uncomfortable with lavish displays of wealth on any occasion, especially in times of hardship and lack for most others,” she said in the article.
Peter Obi and Alex Otti present
True to his wishes, his funeral and burial were modest, reflecting his life and celebrating his legacy rather than a grand display of mourning over his death.
Legacy
Born on May 31, 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, the music icon’s career was a blend of talents. She began in the early 1980s with the release of her debut album, For the Love of You. She became a well-known figure for her blend of highlife, pop and traditional African sounds. Songs such as “One Love” and “You and I (We Are One)” became anthems of unity and social consciousness.
Onwenu's funeral service at the Fountain of Life, Ilupeju.
Ms. Onwenu was not only a musician, but also a respected presenter, actress and politician. She served as the Executive Director of the National Centre for Women Development and used her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.
His impact was not limited to entertainment; he was a passionate voice in the fight against corruption and for national unity.
She is survived by her two sons, who honored her funeral wishes by ensuring that the ceremonies were conducted with the dignity and privacy she had requested.