Late Nigerian music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, has returned to Mother Earth in a burial that took place in Ikoyi, Lagos.
She died at the age of 72 in Lagos on July 30.
The funeral of the late musician, who was also known as the “Elegant Stallion”, was held at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju area of Lagos on Friday.
The service preceded her remains’ interment in a vault in Ikoyi.
Onwenu slumped moments after performing at industrialist Mrs. Stella Okoli’s 80th birthday party in Lagos on July 30.
The singer was then rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she passed on.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and other dignitaries attended the funeral service.
Peter Obi hailed late Onwenu as a national treasure who believed in united and progressive Nigeria.
“Late Onyeka Onwenu remained a national treasure, who believed in a more united and progressive Nigeria. In her last performance on stage before the tragic incident that fateful day, she sang her popular song, “One Love Keep Us Together”, and this bears significant testament to her belief while she lived here on earth.
“Once again, I like to extend my condolences to her children, family, friends, loved ones, and all of us, during this difficult time. May we all find the strength and courage to bear her sad irreplaceable loss. May God grant her eternal rest and protect, and bless her family always,” Obi said in a post on his X handle.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
Onwenu was awarded the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
