Our Mother Has Passed On – Onyeka Onwenu’s Children

By Charles Igbo

In an emotional statement, Onyeka Onweni’s children, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, announced the sudden passing of the musical great.

Onweni passed on in the night of Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after performing at the 80th Birthday Party in honour of Stella Okoli, the owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. Onweni was aged 72 years.

In the statement titled “Our Mother Has Passed On”, they described her as a “national treasure”, and confirmed that she passed on after “another amazing performance.” They said she was “an icon who  inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world.”

They specifically thanked those who  they said were present during her last moments at the  Reddington Hospital – Peter Obi, Mr & Mrs John Momoh, Mr & Mrs Okonkwo as well as Mr Okpara.

They also thanked the Medical Team at Ruddington Hospital who they said did everything to keep their mother alive.

Following is the full text of the statement.

“It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu. She made the passed away last night, Tuesday July 30 2024, in Lagos Nigeria.

She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed.

Onyeka Onwenu was a National Treasure! An Icon and Legend, who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world with her Music, Acting, Philanthropy and Hunanitarian Efforts.

She is greatly loved and missed!

We would like to extend our thanks to those who were with her in her final moments. And to the general public for their concern and support.

Specifically, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh and Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr. Okpara all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole us soon after her passage.

We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital  and all their staff for their efforts.

As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would  like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.

Thank you all.

Signed her sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende