The passing of Onyeka Onwenu, a legendary figure in Nigerian music and entertainment, marks the end of an era Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” Onyeka’s contributions to the arts and her legacy as a cultural icon will be remembered fondly by her fans and the industry alike.
Her burial in Lagos today, August 30th, drew a wave of emotional responses as videos of the ceremony circulated widely on social media. Onyeka’s sudden passing on July 30, 2024, at the age of 72, shocked many. She collapsed at an event honoring Dr. Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and was later pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.
Beyond her music, Onyeka Onwenu was a versatile talent, leaving her mark in Nollywood as a celebrated actress. Her impact was felt in politics as well, where she ran twice for the position of Local Council Chairman of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The funeral service, held at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, was a poignant moment for those in attendance, followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi. The Service of Songs took place from 10 am to 12 noon, and the burial from 2 pm to 4 pm. A particularly touching moment from the day, captured in a viral video, showed her white coffin being carried by family and close friends, a final tribute to a woman whose life and work left an indelible mark on Nigeria and beyond.
