By Balarabe Oshiafi
Iconic Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has reportedly died at the age of 72.
Her transition to the great beyond brings to three the number of prominent Igbos that have passed on in the last two weeks. First it was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Inwuanyawu and following just last week, the founder of Authority Newspaper and serving Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Elegant Stallion as Onyeka Onwenu was fondly called, was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.
Ms. Onwenu had performed at the 80th birthday party of Mrs. Okoli, a pharmacist, and founder of Emzor pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Lagos.
An eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the news.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.
“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.
However, the deceased’s family has yet to announce her death as at the time of going to press.
Born 31st January 1952, the late singer turned politician and rights activist was at a time the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
She will be remembered for her numerous songs, among them, “Wait for me” which she sang with Juju meastro, King Sunny Ade.
Onwenu will also be remembered for her music albums such as In The Morning Light and Dancing In The Sun.
