Onyeka Onwenu, Legendary music icon, songwriter, actress, human rights, social activist, journalist, politician, and X Factor series judge popularly known as the “Elegant Stallion” due to her significant impact on African culture and entertainment is being laid to rest today in Lagos State.
She died at the age of 72 years old on July 30, 2024, at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, after collapsing at an event honoring Dr Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
The funeral service, as announced by the family, will take place at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi. The Service of Songs is scheduled for 10 -12 noon while the burial is scheduled for 2-4pm.
She kept her personal life private and often refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband who is a Yoruba Muslim. She is survived by two children: Tijani Charles and Abraham.
Onyeka Onwenu’s impact cuts far beyond her music career as she impacted many lives positively through her remarkable versatility and she truly lived a Christian life that is worthy of emulation.
Her versatility as a singer, songwriter, actress and activist amongst many other things earned her the title “The versatile queen of afro pop”. Her contributions to both music and art also earned her multiple national and international awards.
She was said to have been “marked by a remarkable versatility”, to have left an “indelible mark on Nollywood” and to have made an “impact on Nigerian culture”.
As Onwenu’s “legacy in Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape remains profound and enduring”.
Onyeka Onwenu was a philanthropist as she generously donated to a lot of humanitarian causes, especially regarding education, healthcare and women’s empowerment.
She will be dearly missed and we send our condolences out to her family on this day.