‘She died after 2 hours of intense struggle’ — Obi details Onyeka Onwenu’s last moments

Peter Obi, the ex-governor of Anambra state, has detailed the last moments of Onyeka Onwenu, the ace singer, who passed away on Tuesday. 

Onwenu collapsed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, in Lagos. She was confirmed dead at Reddington Hospital in Lagos.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said he witnessed how Onwenu collapsed after performing at the event where he was also present.

The ex-governor said Onwenu slumped where she was seated after taking some water and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Obi said he “watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life”, adding that she “passed away after over two hours of intense struggle”.

The Labour Party presidential candidate described the moments as “devasting and tragic” while referring to Onwenu as “a national treasure and shining star who inspired generations with her music”.

“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,” the statement reads.

“‘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. 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 finalized 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.”

President Bola Tinubu, while paying his tribute to Onwenu, descibed her as a “versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many”.

He added that her legacy will “live on in her immortal masterpieces”.