High Chief Owolabi Salis, an American-based lawyer and public affairs commentator, has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the passing of celebrated songstress, Onyeka Onwenu.
Salis described Onwenu’s exit as the end of an era, noting that she set the entertainment scene ablaze with her electrifying showmanship, making her an adorable idol across Nigeria.
He praised Onwenu as a multi-talented genius, excelling as a veteran reporter, writer, actress, and singer, with outstanding intellect, eloquence, and oration.
Salis lamented the suddenness of her passing, saying it leaves one in a cryptic puzzle that defies comprehension.
He remembered Onwenu as a quintessential bridge-builder and detribalized Nigerian, who collaborated with King Sunny Ade and championed the cause of Fela Anikulapo Kuti during his detention.
Salis also recalled her familiarity with notable Nigerian leaders and her cosmopolitan worldview, as expressed in her detribalised propensity and hit song, “One Love Keep Us Together”.
He admonished all to emulate her exemplary sense of unity.
“Not only was she an exemplary symbol of womanhood, she was an illustrious child of Igboland, a pride of Nigeria, Africa and the Black race,” said the Ikorodu-born Onyema Ndigbo Gburugburu of Etiti Mgboko in Abia.
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