•Devastated by sudden death of ‘national treasure and a shining star’

By TINA TIMOTHY

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the passing of an iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu.

The legendary musician whom the former Anambra state governor described as a national treasure and a shining star, died on Tuesday, July 30 in Lagos following her performance at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

On his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Obi who witnessed the tragic event lamented that “it was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow” as Onwenu collapsed a few minutes later and was rushed to the hospital but did not make it.

He wrote: “Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’. It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.

“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.”

While praying for Onwenu’s legacy to continue to inspire and unite us all, Obi condoled with her children, family, friends, loved ones, the entertainment industry and the nation at large, appreciated other friends who stood beside her during her last moments, adding that “her passing is a tremendous loss for the entire nation, and she will be deeply missed.”

“My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.

“Onwenu was a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the entire nation, and she will be deeply missed.

“I want to thank everyone who together with us accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs John Momoh, Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, and Mr Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined us also and Mr. Femi Ajayi who equally returned to the hospital this morning when we had to finalize everything about her passing. May her soul rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all.

“My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives,” he added.

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