ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the passage of Ms. Onyeka Onwenu.
Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician.
The president through a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday mourned the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
He recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
Tinubu also celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He went on to condole the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
According to the president, God will grant the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and make her find a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.
“Ms. Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” Tinubu stated.
Gov. Mbah Mourns Onwenu, Says It’s The Exit Of A Nightingale
Similarly, governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the death of Nigeria’s veteran musician, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away on Tuesday, describing it as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon.
Mbah said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole.
Reacting to the news of the unfortunate development on Wednesday, Mbah said, “This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.
“She was also a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity.
“Onwenu will be sorely missed, but it is consoling that she lived life to the fullest of her talents, sowing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity and will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa.”
Sanwo-Olu Mourns Iconic Singer, Broadcaster, Actor, Onyeka Onwenu
Also, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, broadcaster and actor, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, describing her death as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly the creative industry.
Sanwo-Olu also extends his heartfelt condolences to the Onwenu family and the Nigerian entertainment industry on the passage of the singer and social activist, who died on Tuesday at age 72 at a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urges the deceased family, friends, associates, fans, and entertainment practitioners to take the death of Onwenu as an act of God.
He said the passing of the elegant stallion is a great loss to the entertainment industry and Nigeria and she would be sorely missed by family, friends, fans and political associates.
Governor Sanwo-Olu prays to God for eternal peace for the departed and for Him to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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