The monarch of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has expressed shock over the sudden passing of music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
Onwenu died yesterday, July 30, after performing at a private function in Lagos, where she slumped.
Reacting to the tragic news, Eze Eberechukwu Oji said that the sudden death of the music icon is a great loss to Arochukwu Kingdom, which has thrown the people into mourning.
He said: “The death of our great daughter and musical maestro comes as a great shock to Umu Aro across the globe. Onyeka Onwenu is one of our great daughters who made Arochukwu Kingdom proud in the music industry. Her rise and reign as a celebrated singer has, sadly, come to an end. This is a shock for all of us. It has indeed brought grief to us.
“Onyeka Onwenu was one of Africa’s most prolific female singers, having made her mark in music, and earned global acclaim. Indeed, the shoes she is leaving behind are too large for anyone to wear, and she will remain a legend forever.
“We commiserate with the Onwenu family, our brothers and sisters in Arondizuogu.
“We mourn our daughter and sister, and pray God to repose her soul in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.”
Born on January 31, 1952, Onyeka Onwenu was a renowned Nigerian figure celebrated for her multifaceted career.
A native of Arondizuogu in Ideato North LGA of Imo State, Onyeka was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She was the youngest daughter of an educationist and politician, D. K. Onwenu, who tragically passed away in an auto crash when she was just four years old.
Onyeka’s impressive career spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics.
Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Onyeka earned the alias “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian media.
She served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was also a judge on the X Factor series.
Her music resonates across generations, with iconic songs such as “One Love” and “You and I,” the latter popularised further by Africa Magic. Another notable song, “Ekwe,” holds a significant place in cultural history and is often remembered for its bold and somewhat combative tone, reminiscent of the struggles faced by earlier generations.
Onyeka’s legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist continues to inspire and influence Nigerian culture and beyond.
Before venturing into music, Onyeka worked as a journalist for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she was reputed for her investigative reporting, particularly on social topics.
While at NTA, she authored the globally famous BBC/NTA documentary on corruption in Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, in 1984.
May her soul find peace in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.
Signed:
Mazi Patrick Asonye,
Director of Media;
The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom.
