No one should charge for services provided at Onyeka Onwenu’s funeral, says Bisi Olatilo

Bisi Olatilo, the veteran journalist, has requested that all services related to the funeral of Onyeka Onwenu, the late singer, be provided free of charge. 

Onwenu passed away on July 30 after a performance at a birthday event in Lagos.

In an opinion piece published on TheCable on July 27, 2021, Onwenu expressed her wishes for a private, modest, and quick farewell.

Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, Onwenu’s sons, reportedly intend to honour her wishes by organising a timely burial.

But Olatilo, in a statement, expressed his concerns about the current arrangements for Onwenu’s funeral.

He said the singer’s contributions to the entertainment industry should be honoured without financial burden.

“They should not charge for any services for her funeral as a lasting honour for our friend and colleague of all times. Those who can’t provide free services should give way,” he said.

“I have followed closely arrangements to give Onyeka Onwenu, OFR, the best burial ever because she has most deservedly earned it. I will make these observations which l want us to examine genuinely without undue sentiments and bias.”

Olatilo argued that charging for services such as the production of a documentary or the roles of masters of ceremonies would be a “disservice to Onwenu’s legacy”.

He also urged all radio, television, and newspaper organisations to cover the events surrounding Onwenu’s funeral at no cost.