By Tony Adibe
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the death of Nigeria’s veteran musician, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away on Tuesday, describing it as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon.
Mbah said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole.
Reacting to the news of the unfortunate development on Wednesday, Mbah said, “This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process. She was also a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity.
“Onwenu will be sorely missed, but it is consoling that she lived life to the fullest of her talents, sowing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity and will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa.”
Onwenu’s sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, officially announced the passing of the singer and songwriter on Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that my brother and I want to announce the passing of our mother, the much-loved Onyeka Onwenu,” the statement reads in part. They explained that the multi-talented artiste passed away in Lagos, Tuesday night.
