Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu laid to rest in Lagos

The remains of the Nigeria’s celebrated music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly called “The Elegant Stallion,” were on Friday laid to rest in a private and solemn ceremony at the Ebony Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, Lagos, following her wishes.

Penpushing reports that that the burial of the 72-year-old music star, who died after collapsing at an event in Lagos on July 30,2024, followed a funeral service held between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos.

The funeral service and burial were attended by choir performances, dignitaries, close friends, and family members who came to pay their final respects, and they include the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who had close ties with the deceased, respectively.

Penpushing further reports the late musician, whose influence spanned through music, acting, broadcasting, politics, and activism, died at the Reddington Hospital in Ikeja after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Stella Okoli.

The record has it that Onwenu’s multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to social causes made her a relevant figure and personality in Nigeria and outside the country, while her demise sent waves of grief across the nation.

Penpushing also reports that she was an entertainment icon and a voice for social justice and women’s rights and before her death had in 2021 after the highly publicised and lavish burial of famous businessman Obi Cubana’s mother, expressed her desire for a simple and private burial.

“I’ve told my family how I want to be buried. Do it quickly, quietly, and privately. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch, or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Mourn, but not excessively. Make merriment, and then go about your business’, she stated.

Penpushing reports that she was born May 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, and her career was a tapestry of talents, which started in the early 1980s with the release of her debut album, For the Love of You.

The deceased, however, became a household name with her blend of highlife, pop, and traditional African sounds. Songs like “One Love” and “You and I (We Are One)” became anthems of unity and social consciousness.

Penpushing further reports that she was not just a musician but also a respected broadcaster, actress, and politician, who 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.

The late music icon survived by two sons was a passionate voice in the fight against corruption and national unity, while her impact was not limited to entertainment, and her burial ceremonies were conducted with the dignity and privacy she had requested.

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