President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the sudden death Tuesday, of Nigeria’s music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, who slumped and later died at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos, shortly after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Stella Okoli, Chairman/founder of EMZOR Pharmaceutical.
A statement issued, Wednesday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu “extends his profound condolences to the family of the late Ms. Onyeka Onwenu”, celebrating her versatility and enormous contribution to the public good through he work.
Ms. Onwenu, Ngelale recalled, was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician.
He continues: “President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
“President Tinubu celebrates the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
“The President condoles with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.”
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.”
The President, is however, gladdened by the fact that Onyeka lives on through her immortal masterpieces.
