All flags at COSON House in Ikeja, the headquarters of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, are now flying at half-mast in honour of the iconic Nigerian singer, composer and former member of the COSON Board, Onyeka Onwenu, who just passed on at the age of 72.
A condolence register has also been opened at the reception of COSON House, for all those who want to pay tribute to the memory of one of the greatest female artistes Nigeria has ever produced.
Reacting to her death, the Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, said he was deeply shocked and completely devastated at the news of the death of the iconic singer.
Okoroji said, “This is shocking beyond words. Despite our differences in recent times, everyone knows that Onyeka was my dear friend and worked very closely with me in promoting the Nigerian music industry. She was my Vice President while I was President of PMAN. She served on my Board when I was Chairman of the Performing and Mechanical Rights Society, PMRS. Onyeka also served on the Board of COSON, where I was chairman.
Paying tribute to her, Chief Okoroji said, “Onyeka Onwenu was an incredibly talented Nigerian woman in many ways. Her passion for excellence remains unequalled”.
Chief Okoroji was emphatic that Nigeria will have other successful female singers but Nigeria will never have another Onyeka Onwenu. The COSON Chairman said, “The Nigerian creative family has lost a colossus. The Nigerian nation has lost an icon”.
Onyeka Onwenu, the elegant stallion, as she was referred to by her many fans, was a member of the founding Board of COSON. The Board, management, staff, and the thousands of members of COSON mourn the legend and will do whatever is necessary to ensure that she is buried like the queen that she was.