Nigerian veteran music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, fondly known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ has been laid to rest in Lagos State.
The funeral service for Onyeka Onwenu which took place at the Fountain of Life Church in the Ilupeju area of Lagos had the church filled with friends, family, and well-wishers who came to pay their last respects to a woman who had significantly impacted their lives.
Following the church service, Onyeka Onwenu was given a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi and was attended by close family members and a few invited guests, keeping in line with the family’s desire for a private farewell.
Her sudden death came as a shock to many. Onyeka Onwenu had slumped she performed at the birthday party of Dr. Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals and later died on July 30 at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja at the age of 71 marking the end of an era in the Nigerian music and entertainment industry.
The funeral service was attended by several prominent figures, including Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate. Peter Obi described her as a “national treasure” and praised her for her unwavering dedication to her craft and her country. “Onyeka was not just a music icon,” he said. “She was a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience for many Nigerians. Her voice was not only heard through her songs but also through her actions and her advocacy for the rights of the less privileged.”
The Fountain of Life Church choir sang some of Onyeka Onwenu’s most beloved songs in tribute to a woman who had given so much of herself to her art and her country.
Onyeka Onwenu will be remembered as a trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a champion for justice. She paved the way for many artists and activists, showing that it is possible to use one’s talent and platform for good. As Nigeria mourns the loss of this extraordinary woman, her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. Rest in peace, Onyeka Onwenu, the Elegant Stallion. Your music, your voice, and your spirit will remain with us forever.
