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Breaking: Onyeka Onwenu Dies After Collapsing at Lagos Birthday Party
On Tuesday night, a somber incident occurred at a birthday celebration in Lagos involving the celebrated singer Onyeka Onwenu.
The renowned artist, widely admired for her contributions to music, tragically collapsed and passed away shortly after delivering a performance at the event.
Onwenu was attending a private birthday party for Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company.
Following her performance, which was met with acclaim, she returned to her seat. It was at this point that she suddenly lost consciousness.
Despite immediate efforts from emergency services, who swiftly transported her to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, her life could not be saved. The exact cause of her death remains undisclosed at this time.
Onyeka Onwenu, an influential figure in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, was affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion.’
Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting her significant role not only as a musician but also as an activist and public servant.
Beyond her illustrious music career, Onwenu was deeply involved in political and cultural advocacy.
She held prominent positions, including Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Earlier this year, Onwenu had announced an exciting new project: a film that would recount her extensive journey through the music industry over several decades.
She had expressed enthusiasm about sharing her personal narrative and reflecting on the evolution of Nigerian music.
Additionally, Onwenu had planned to collaborate with emerging artists to release a compilation of her classic hits, reimagined for a contemporary audience, with the release slated for later in the year.
Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned more than forty years.
Her musical repertoire, which included genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often tackled social and political themes. Her notable songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
At the time of her passing, it is unclear whether her planned documentary or the reworked compilation of her music had been completed.
The loss of Onyeka Onwenu is deeply felt, as she leaves behind a legacy of artistic and social contributions that will continue to resonate.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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