Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s renowned singer, rights activist and journalist was buried at the Ikoyi cemetery after a solemn funeral service at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos on Friday (today, August 30).
Aged 72, Onwenu, died on July 30 after being taken ill at a friend’s birthday ceremony in Lagos.
The funeral service was attended by family, friends, and colleagues. Abia state governor Alex Otti and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi were among the dignitaries.
Onwenu, whose powerful voice and advocacy made a significant impact, died in Lagos on th 30th of last month at the age of 72.
In a 2021 interview, Onwenu expressed her wishes regarding her burial.
She had requested that her final rites be conducted swiftly, quietly and privately, free from unnecessary fanfare.
“Do it quickly, quietly, and privately,” she had instructed, underscoring her desire for a modest farewell.
Onwenu also advised her loved ones to “mourn, yes, but not excessively,” urging them instead to celebrate her life through prayers and joyous moments.
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterward. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me, Onyeka Onwenu,” she had quipped.
Throughout her life, Onwenu had a multifaceted career that spanned music, film, advocacy, journalism and politics.
Her notable roles included chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and serving as a judge on the X Factor
Her wish for a low-key funeral, however, did not stop the outpouring of love & eulogies for Onwenu, affectionately called “Elegant Stallion.”
