‘A Truly Great Talent Exits’, Louis Odion Mourns Onyeka Onwenu

A former presidential aide, Louis Odion, has mourned the passing of musical icon Onyeka Onwenu, saying with her on Tuesday night, a ‘truly great talent’ has exited.

Odion, in a terse message sent to LEADERSHIP on Wednesday, said the ‘Princess of Songs’ was a movement that sought to foster national unity across divides.

“A truly great talent exits. With a rich body of works cutting across music, film and writing, she indeed embodied a significant tendency in the Nigerian art of the 80s and 90s — educated, liberated, assertive and relentless.

“A movement that sought to foster national unity across divides. Her magna opus, ONE LOVE, expresses that powerful spirit. Sadly, with her transition, that clan is almost extinct now. Adieu, the Princess of Songs,” he stated.

LEADERSHIP reports that the veteran singer, songwriter and actress, Ms Onyeka Onwenu, had died at the age of 72.

Ms Onwenu at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after she slumped at a social function where she performed.

Born January 31, 1952, the late singer turned politician and rights activist, who was dubbed ‘The Elegant Stallion’ by the Nigerian press, was at a time the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD).

She will be remembered for her numerous songs, among them, “Wait for me” which she sang with Juju meastro, King Sunny Ade.

Her two sons – Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende – have formally confirmed her death in statement jointly signed on Wednesday morning, where they recalled Ms. Onwenu’s last moments and the efforts to revive her back to life.

“It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu. She made the passed away last night, Tuesday July 30 2024, in Lagos Nigeria.

“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed.

“Onyeka Onwenu was a National Treasure! An Icon and Legend, who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world with her Music, Acting, Philanthropy and Hunanitarian Efforts.

“She is greatly loved and missed!

“We would like to extend our thanks to those who were with her in her final moments. And to the general public for their concern and support.

“Specifically, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh and Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr. Okpara all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole us soon after her passage.

“We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.

“As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.”