In a somber and emotional ceremony, loved ones and fans laid to rest legendary Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu, fondly known as the “Elegant Stallion,” in Lagos today. The burial, held at a private cemetery, drew a large crowd of family, friends, colleagues, and admirers who came to pay their final respects to the iconic star.
Onwenu, who passed away on July 30, 2024, at Reddington Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, after collapsing at an event honoring renowned pharmacist Dr. Stella Okoli, left a legacy that spanned several decades. Her death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond, with many mourning the loss of a woman who had not only captivated audiences with her music but also inspired generations with her advocacy and contributions to the arts.
Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi was among the notable figures who attended the burial. “Today in Lagos, I joined the family, friends, and other mourners to pay my last respect to the late iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, who was laid to rest,” Obi shared, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss. He described Onwenu as a “national treasure” and praised her for her unwavering commitment to social justice and cultural preservation.
Poignant tributes and heartfelt eulogies marked the funeral service, with many recalling Onwenu’s significant impact on Nigerian music and her tireless efforts to promote unity and peace through her art. Mourners wept openly as they lowered the coffin into the ground, singing some of her most beloved songs in a final farewell to the woman who had touched so many lives.
Onyeka Onwenu’s burial marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a trailblazer in the Nigerian music industry and a passionate advocate for social change will continue to resonate for years to come.
