Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected death of Nigerian music icon Onyeka Onwenu, calling the news “shocking and extremely tragic.”
In a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili praised Onwenu as a remarkable figure who brought joy and laughter to many through her diverse artistic talents. Onwenu, aged 72, passed away on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party where she had performed.
Ezekwesili reflected on Onwenu’s life, lauding her exceptional abilities as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer. “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her. 😭😭,” Ezekwesili wrote. She reminisced about Onwenu’s early career, highlighting her brilliance as a journalist in the 1980s when she returned to Nigeria and served with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Onwenu’s unmatched newscasting skills and her impactful BBC World documentary, “A Squandering of Riches,” were particularly noted by Ezekwesili as significant contributions to the discussion of governance issues in Nigeria.
Ezekwesili also celebrated Onwenu’s achievements in the arts, calling her a distinguished songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer. She acknowledged Onwenu’s foray into politics, following the legacy of her father, D.K. Onwenu. “Onyeka Onwenu later became a politician, following in the footsteps of her Dad- D. K. Onwenu,” she noted, while also recalling how Onwenu’s mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, had inspired their generation of mothers.
Ezekwesili fondly remembered Onwenu’s tribute to her mother in the song “Ochie Dike Mama,” which has become an anthem for mothers since 2010. “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,” she added.
Ezekwesili concluded by expressing her condolences to Onwenu’s family, particularly her two sons, siblings, and the entire Onwenu family, praying for God’s comfort and divine peace during this difficult time.
