Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed profound sadness and distress over the passing of her colleague and Nigerian music icon Onyeka Onwenu. According to Drivetvnews, Onwenu collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, in Lagos on Tuesday.
She was subsequently taken to Reddington Hospital, where she was reported to have died.
In her reaction on Wednesday, Patience Ozokwor conveyed her grief, highlighting that the loss is particularly painful because Onwenu had not been ill.
Ozokwor stated, “Onyeka was more than a colleague; she was a friend. I am deeply saddened and hurt by her death, especially since she was not sick.”
She further expressed concern about the increasing number of deaths, questioning the reasons behind such tragedies and noting the general stress in the country.
Onyeka Onwenu launched her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She went on to release several albums and singles, including the popular song “One Love.” In addition to her musical achievements, Onwenu acted in various Nollywood films and earned numerous awards for her contributions to both music and film. She was also active in politics.
In response to Onwenu’s passing, President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences to the entertainment industry. Through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu offered his sympathy to Onwenu’s family and acknowledged her significant impact on the music industry, while praying for her soul’s repose.
