Nigeria was shocked by the sudden passing of legendary singer and activist Onyeka Onwenu on Tuesday night. The 72-year-old artiste collapsed shortly after a performance at a high-profile event in Lagos, leading to a frantic but ultimately unsuccessful effort to save her life.
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was present at the event and provided a detailed account of Onwenu’s final moments. In a statement shared on social media, Obi described the tragedy as “a very devastating moment” that will be “forever etched in my memory.”
“I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’,” Obi recounted. “It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow.”
According to Obi, Onwenu collapsed shortly after her performance.
“Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital,” he stated.
Obi accompanied Onwenu to Reddington Hospital, where he witnessed the desperate efforts to revive her.
“I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life,” he said. Despite over two hours of intense struggle, the medical team was unable to save Onwenu.
The former Anambra State governor praised Onwenu as “a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts.” He described her passing as “a tremendous loss for the entire nation.”
Obi also acknowledged those who were present during Onwenu’s final moments, including Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh, Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo, and Mr. Okpara. He noted that Governor Alex Otti and Mr. Femi Ajayi also joined in supporting efforts at the hospital.
Obi’s eyewitness account provides a poignant glimpse into the final moments of an artist whose impact on Nigerian music and society will be remembered for generations to come.
“May her soul rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all,” Obi concluded, echoing the sentiments of millions of fans mourning the loss of the iconic Onyeka Onwenu.
Her children have since announced her passing, sharing details about her final moments on Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that my brother and I wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu,” they wrote in a statement.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed. She passed away last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria,” the statement added.
Describing their mother as an “icon and legend” who inspired multiple generations with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, they expressed their gratitude to those who supported Onyeka in her final moments, including “Mr Obi, Mr and Mrs Momoh and Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr Okpara, all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole with us soon after her passage.”
They added, “We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.
“As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.”
The renowned singer was born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State.
She released her debut album, For the Love of You, in 1981 and has since released several albums and singles, including her hit song “One Love.”
She was awarded the National Honours of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.