Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of music legend Onyeka Onwenu, describing it as “shocking and extremely tragic.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili eulogized Onwenu, a distinguished Nigerian who brought joy and laughter to many through her versatile artistic endeavors.
Onwenu, 72, passed away on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party where she had performed.
Ezekwesili celebrated Onwenu’s life, highlighting her exceptional talents as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer. She said, “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her.
“Our sister, Onyeka, was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA #NTANewsNow. Her newscasting skills were unmatched. Her epic #BBCWorld documentary titled ‘A Squandering of Riches’ will remain one of the greatest narrations of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today. How about her giant strides as a songwriter, musician, performer, actor, producer! Distinction!!”
She also acknowledged Onwenu’s political career, which followed in the footsteps of her father, D.K. Onwenu.
“Onyeka Onwenu later became a politician, following in the footsteps of her Dad- D. K. Onwenu.
“Her mom, Dame Hope Onwenu, was an inspiration to their generation of mothers. I recall how devastated my now-late mom was when Aunty Hope Onwenu died in 2011.”
Ezekwesili fondly recalled Onwenu’s tribute to her mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, in the song “Ochie Dike Mama,” which has become an anthem for mothers since 2010.
“Before her death, Onyeka had eulogized her Dame Onwenu with that evergreen song, ‘Ochie Dike Mama,’ which we all began singing for our mothers since 2010 to date. We truly have lost a distinguished Nigerian in the death of Onyeka Onwenu.
“May God comfort and grant divine peace to her two sons, siblings, and the rest of the Onwenu family.”
