Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has described the death of veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu, as as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon.

Ms Onyeka passed away Tuesday, July 30, in Lagos.

She completed a performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli when she was suddenly rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos.

The governor in his reaction to the news of the music icon’s death on Wednesday in Enugu said, “Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.

“The demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession has dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo and Nigerians. This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.’’

He further described the late Onwenu as a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity.

“Onyeka will be deeply missed, but it is consoling that she led life to the fullest of her talents, sowing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity. She will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray to God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa,” Mr Mbah prayed.

Onyeka Onwenu was born in January 1952 and died on July 30. She was a Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former XFactor series judge.

She was dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” due to her significant impact on African culture and entertainment. She was a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She hailed from Arondizuogu in Ideato North LGA. of Imo State.

(NAN)