Onyeka Onwenu, the late singer, has been laid to rest in Lagos. Onwenu collapsed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company on July 30. She was confirmed dead at Reddington Hospital in Lagos.
Her service of songs was earlier held at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, and was attended by prominent figures.
Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, was among the public figures present at the event.
The burial ceremony followed immediately at the Ebony Vaults, James George Street, Off Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Members of Onwenu’s family and friends, clergymen stood at the gravesite to pay their last respect as the singer’s corpse was lowered into the grave.
Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, the sons of the late singer, earlier revealed that the doctors “made every effort to save her life”.
They described their mother as a “national treasure, an icon and legend” whose impact will be deeply felt.
Abraham and Tijani also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the public and dignitaries.
Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 election, previously recalled how Onwenu collapsed after performing at the event where he was also present.
“Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital,” the politician said.
“I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.
“Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle.”
In an opinion piece published on TheCable on July 27, 2021, Onwenu expressed her wishes for a private, modest, and quick farewell.
