Onyeka Onwenu, the iconic Nigerian singer who passed away suddenly on July 30 after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, was not just a trailblazer in music but also a woman who faced numerous battles in her life, both personal and professional.
Throughout her career, Onwenu was known for her fearless stance on justice, a trait that defined her public persona. However, few know of the private struggles she endured, including the controversies surrounding her professional relationships, such as the persistent rumors of an affair with King Sunny Ade (KSA). Despite her efforts to quell these rumors, they affected not just her reputation but also her family, particularly her young son.
In her memoir, My Father’s Daughter, Onwenu detailed how her collaboration with KSA on songs like “Choices” and “Wait for Me” sparked unfounded rumors of a secret love affair, even leading to accusations of having a secret child together. These rumors persisted despite her repeated denials, causing significant distress within her family.
Onwenu’s life was also marked by political controversy. She found herself embroiled in the fallout from performing at the infamous One-Million-Man March in Abuja, a propaganda event organized by the Abacha regime. Unwittingly drawn into the event under the pretense of supporting Nigeria’s national football team, she was vilified by supporters of MKO Abiola’s June 12 movement, who accused her of betraying their cause. The backlash was intense, with threats to her life and reputation, forcing her to confront these challenges head-on.
Onwenu’s personal life was equally tumultuous. Contrary to public belief, she was married, but her marriage was fraught with difficulties. She recounted in her memoir how she fought to keep her marriage intact, only to face emotional and psychological abuse. Her husband’s demands to cut ties with her extended family, particularly her mother, and his refusal to support their children financially, placed immense strain on her. Despite these hardships, Onwenu remained committed to her family, raising her sons single-handedly while managing her successful career.
The songstress also faced professional challenges, notably her clash with Ben Bruce, the then Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). In 2021, she embarked on a hunger strike to protest her ban from NTA, which was imposed after she demanded residual fees and copyright dues for her song “Iyogogo.” Her protest drew widespread support, including that of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who publicly backed her cause.
Onyeka Onwenu’s life was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. While her music and public persona brought joy to millions, the personal battles she fought behind the scenes reveal the strength and determination of a woman who refused to be silenced. Her legacy, both as an artist and as a woman who stood firm in her beliefs, will continue to inspire generations to come.
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