There are indications that multi-talented artiste, Onyeka Onwenu, wanted people to celebrate her spirit when she was gone.
She wanted liveliness and jokes to flow at her funeral, based on her message in a writeup she published on ‘Premium Time’s in 2021 is receiving renewed interest.
In the article, Onyeka explained how she wanted to be buried:
“Do it quickly, quietly and privately.,” adding that she should be mourned but not excessively:
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu.”
She went on to condemn the lavish display of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials.
She said: “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others.”
She then called for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.
Onwenu died on Tuesday at Redington Hospital, Lagos, shortly after she performed at an event.
