Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of music legend Onyeka Onwenu, describing her death as “shocking and extremely tragic.”
In a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili paid tribute to Onwenu, celebrating her as a remarkable Nigerian whose diverse artistic talents brought joy and laughter to many.
Onwenu, aged 72, died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing during a birthday party performance.
Ezekwesili highlighted Onwenu’s multifaceted career, noting her extraordinary abilities as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer.
She said, “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her. 😭😭.
“Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA #NTANewsNow. Her newscasting skills were unmatched.
“Her epic #BBCWorld documentary titled “A Squandering of Riches” will remain one of the greatest narration of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.
“How about her giant strides as a songwriter, a musician, a performer, actor, producer! Distinction!!.”
Ezekwesili also touched on Onwenu’s political career, noting that she followed in the footsteps of her father, D.K. Onwenu.
“Onyeka Onwenu later became a politician, following in the footsteps of her Dad- D. K. Onwenu.
“Her mom, Dame Hope Onwenu was an inspiration to their Generation of mothers. I recall how devastated my now-late mom was when Aunty Hope Onwenu died in 2011.”
Ezekwesili fondly remembered Onwenu’s tribute to her mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, through the song “Ochie Dike Mama,” which has become an anthem for mothers since 2010.
She wrote, “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.
“We truly have lost a distinguished Nigerian in the death of Onyeka Onwenu.
“May God comfort and grant divine peace to her 2 sons, siblings and rest of Onwenu family. ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾”
