The family of the legendary music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, laid her to rest in a solemn ceremony, honoring her wishes to return to the earth quietly. Born on January 31, 1952, in Imo State, Nigeria, Onyeka Onwenu embarked on her illustrious music career in 1981 while still working at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She released her debut album, “For the Love of You”, a pop masterpiece featuring a captivating orchestral cover of Johnny Nash’s “Hold Me Tight”, expertly produced by Berkley Jones.
Her sophomore album, “Endless Life”, produced by the renowned Sonny Okosun, further showcased her talent. Onyeka Onwenu’s unique voice and thought-provoking lyrics resonated with fans, propelling her to fame and cementing her status as a music legend. Throughout her remarkable career, she left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
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A solemn funeral service was held in honor of the late music legend, affectionately known as the “Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka Onwenu, at the Fountain of Life Church in the Ilupeju area of Lagos on Friday. The ceremony was a celebration of her life and legacy, attended by friends, family, and fellow musicians. Following the service, a private burial was held at a vault in Ikoyi, where she was laid to rest.
Tragically, Onyeka Onwenu’s passing occurred suddenly on Tuesday, July 30, after she collapsed at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. She was rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she sadly succumbed to her condition. The music industry and fans around the world were shocked and saddened by her untimely departure, mourning the loss of a true icon and legend. The late songbird always reflected on how she wanted to be remembered and buried..
Do it quickly, quietly, and privately. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch, or dinner afterward. Share some jokes about me and laugh.
“Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate with me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” the ‘Elegant Stallion’ as she was fondly called was quoted as saying.
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Onyeka Onwenu’s wishes, her family bid her a final farewell yesterday with a dignified and understated ceremony, free from excessive fanfare. The funeral service, held at the serene Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, was a poignant celebration of her life and legacy.
This was followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi, Lagos, where she was laid to rest with simplicity and elegance. By honoring her request for a low-key farewell, the family ensured that Onyeka Onwenu’s departure was as gracious and refined as her remarkable life and career. The intimate ceremony allowed those closest to her to mourn and pay their respects in a peaceful and personal manner, befitting the “Elegant Stallion”
The funeral service for the late Onyeka Onwenu began with a solemn hymn, signaling the entrance of her casket, borne by pallbearers adorned in traditional Igbo regalia, accompanied by her two sons, Tijani and Abraham Ogunlende. Following the service, her body was transported in a motorcade to the Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi at approximately 2 pm. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, music legends Orits Williki and Tee Mac Omatshola-Itseli, and other distinguished guests. Onyeka Onwenu was a multifaceted talent, excelling not only as a musician with numerous hits but also as a broadcaster, actress, politician, and activist, leaving behind a legacy that transcends her various endeavors.
Her legacy will continue to live on through her timeless music.
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