How doctors battled to save Onyeka Onwenu’s life – Obi

Onyeka Onwenu, a legendary singer, passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday, shocking and saddening Nigerians.

Onwenu, it was reported, passed away on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing during her performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs Stella Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.


Numerous celebrities attended the elegant ceremony, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential contender, who on Wednesday recounted on his X account how medical professionals fought to preserve the life of the legendary musician and campaigner.

"Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory," wrote Obi, recalling Onwenu's final minutes. I was present at the event where Onyeka Onwenu, the legendary song star, gave a few of her songs, culminating in her hit song, "One Love Keep Us Together."

We had no idea that this would be her last bow, even though it was a stunning performance. She fell unconscious moments after finishing her act, took a sip of water, and was taken to the hospital.

"I went to the hospital with her. I felt agony as I witnessed the medical professionals struggle mightily to preserve her life, using every resource at their disposal to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.
"After more than two hours of severe fight, she regrettably lost away despite their heroic attempts. My thoughts and prayers are with her children, family, friends, and loved ones during this trying time. May we be granted the bravery and fortitude to endure this irreversible loss.



Govs., PMAN, and Tinubu grieve


Onwenu passed away on Wednesday, and many people, including President Bola Tinubu, his wife Oluremi, governors, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, and fans, expressed their sorrow.

On Wednesday, her children shared information about her dying moments along with the news of her passing.

Her children released a statement on Wednesday, saying, "My brother and I wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu, with heavy hearts."

"After an incredible final performance, she was taken to the hospital and physicians tried everything to save her life. Sadly, she passed away. She died in Lagos, Nigeria, last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024," the announcement continued.

Her children called their mother a "icon and legend" who, via her acting, charity, singing, and humanitarian endeavours, influenced many generations.

Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh, Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo, as well as Messrs. Ajayi and Mr. Okpara, who were all present with Onyeka in her final moments, were among the people for whom the family expressed their thanks. Soon after her passing, Governor Alex Otti joined us in expressing our condolences.


"We also thank Reddington Hospital and all of their staff for their efforts," they continued.

"We would like you all to take some time to reflect on her life, the contributions she made, and the impact she had on so many lives, including our own, while we take the time to make the necessary arrangements."

The well-known singer was born in Obosi, Anambra State, in 1952.

Since the publication of her 1981 first album, "For the Love of You," she has put out other albums and singles, including the popular track "One Love."

In 2011, she received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic National Honours.

Tinubu expressed his condolences on the legendary musician in a statement that was signed by Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity.

"President Tinubu expresses sorrow over the demise of the Queen of Songs, whose inspiring and charming performance of "One Love" in the 1990s inspired a spirit of harmony and camaraderie.

The late musical icon's numerous artistic endeavours to further public welfare are remembered by the President, who highlights her legendary partnership with King Sunny Ade on the catchy family planning campaign "Wait for Me" from the 1980s.

According to Ngelale, "Ms. Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces."

Tinubu honoured the life of the multifaceted and extraordinarily talented artist who worked throughout the complete spectrum of artistic endeavour and expression, spreading happiness and laughter to many.
He expressed his condolences to the Imo State administration, the entertainment industry, and the star's countless admirers for this unfathomable loss.

"She finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is 'Dancing in the Sun,'" the President prayed, along with the artist's soul's repose.

The legendary singer was remembered on Wednesday by Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria.

She led those in attendance in observing a minute of silence in honour of Onwenu on Wednesday during her speech at the governors' wives' quarterly meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative at the State House in Abuja.


She referred to Onwenu as her support system and the mother of the country.

"I was sorry to learn of the demise of the Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu, especially as I still interacted with her recently.

“Her extraordinary talent, creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song ‘One Love Keep Us Together’ has left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but globally.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss. She left us doing what she loved,” she said.

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described the late Onwenu as a gift to her generation.



In a press statement on Wednesday, the governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports, Dr Onyeka Onwenu.


“Onwenu was a gift to her generation. Sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting, hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes.

“Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, as she laced her music with nuggets for social revival. She wore many caps elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader.

“Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused in the many avenues she used in agitating for a more prosperous nation,” the statement read.

The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described the death of Onwenu 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.

“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 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 the defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity,” he said.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in a statement signed by her media aide, Nneka Anibueze, described Onwenu as a true patriot who used her music to promote unity.

“The music world has lost a shining star, a true legend, and a shaper of our cultural identity. Onyeka Onwenu’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled. Her music was a testament to her innovative spirit, and her ability to bring people together through her art…

“She was a true patriot who used her music to promote unity, harmony, and patriotism. Her music was a reflection of our cultural values, and her impact will be felt for generations to come,” the statement read.

The PMAN, AGN and music fans expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Onwenu, aka Elegant Stallion.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, on Wednesday in Abuja, PMAN Federal Capital Territory Governor, Sydney Asowari, said the late singer died at a time when her wealth of experience was mostly needed in the entertainment industry.

He said Onyeka’s contributions to the growth of the music industry and her impact would remain indelible on the sand of time.


“It is a great loss to us especially entertainers and musicians because Onyeka was the stallion, one of the founding members of what we are enjoying today.

“It was really devastating when we heard the news, however, our solace is