The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has said that late Onyeka Onwenu’s death has devastated him.
Obi who was present when she breathed her last, said that he watched as doctors battled to save her life in vain after her elegant performance on stage.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Tanko Yunusa, Obi said that Onwenu left the stage with a striking song in her last performance on earth “One Love Keep Us Together”
Writing on his X handle, Obi said
“Yesterday provided a totally 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 bent 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.
“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. Onyeka 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 accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. Mrs John Momoh, Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, and Mr. Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined 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”.
Onwenu collapsed and died after performing on Wednesday at a birthday bash in honour of the Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical, Stella Okoli and was rushed to Reddington hospital Ikoyi where she breathed her last.
