Her Children issue formal statements
In a reflection shared three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.
The iconic artist, known for her powerful voice and activism, was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.
“Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece on Premium Times in 2021, emphasising that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.
She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. 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 said.
In her statement, Onwenu also touched on broader cultural practices, condemning the lavish display of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials.
“I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.
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On Wednesday morning, Onwenu’s children announced her passing, sharing details about her final moments.
“It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu”, her children wrote in a statement signed by her sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende.
“She passed away last night, Tuesday, 30 July 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria”.
Confirming the death, Onwenu’s children said: “She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed”.
Her children described their mother as an “icon and legend” who inspired multiple generations with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
“She is greatly loved and missed!” they added.
The family expressed gratitude to those who supported Onyenu in her final moments, including “Mr. Peter Obi, Mr and Mrs John 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 us soon after her passage.
“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”.
