President Bola Tinubu, former minister of education Obiageli Ezekwesili and a renowned afrobeat musician Femi Anikulapo-Kuti have extended their condolences to the family of the late legendary singer, songwriter, actor, and politician, Onyeka Onwenu.
Tinubu conveyed his condolence in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns Iconic Artiste, Onyeka Onwenu’, on Wednesday.
“President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘One Love’ in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.”
“Ms Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” the President stated.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who devoted herself to a wide range of artistic endeavours and expressions, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He extended his condolences to the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste, and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades, and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’
Ezekwesili expressed sorrow over Onwenu’s passing, describing it as “shocking and extremely tragic”.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili eulogised Onwenu as a distinguished Nigerian who brought joy and laughter to many through her versatile artistic endeavours.
Ezekwesili celebrated Onwenu’s life, highlighting her exceptional talents as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer.
READ ALSO: Journalist, singer Onyeka Onwenu dies at 72
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 narration of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.
“How about her giant strides as a songwriter, a musician, a 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.
She wrote: “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 2 sons, siblings and rest of Onwenu family.
Also, renowned afrobeat musician and son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, joined the growing list of those who have extolled the virtue of late Onyeka Onwenu.
In a post on his X handle, Anikulapo-Kuti said: “Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu.
“Rest in peace Ma. Your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Onwenu, aged 72, was said to have died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Stella Okoli, where she had performed.
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