Requiem for Iwuanyanwu and Onwenu     

At a time of tempest and turmoil, tragedy struck. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Lady Onyeka Onwenu went the way of all mortals. 

It is a measure of their huge place in our lives that in spite of the upheavals in American politics, the on-going wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan and the #Endbadgovernance protests, their sad passing dominated the headlines and animated the social media space.

Theirs is a confirmation of William Shakespeare’s inimitable and insightful observation that:”When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

The heavens must have proclaimed their demise for the uplifting attributes that it generously bestowed them and which they, in turn, liberally and unselfishly, beq-ueathed us.

Both of them blessed us with their fecund talents and positive energies. Chief Iwuanyanwu, with his Engineering skills set, was adept at inventing destructive weapons that buoyed the Biafran secessionist effort. Deploying his entrepreneurial skills thereafter, he set up a bevy of companies which ranged from construction to publishing. And in doing so, he created jobs and touched the lives of many.

Lady Onwenu soothed our nerves and delighted us with her musical gifts andsonorous voice. A journalist of the first rank, she inspired us with her savvy performance at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA.) She later proved herself as an unsurpassed thespian by giving virtuoso performances in Nollywood.

Both were transcendental and multi-talented. And they thrived outside their cocoons and comfort zones. Though both hail from Imo State, in the South East, their talents found expression outside the Orient. Most of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s businesses were headquartered in Lagos. Though her music received global accolades, Lady Onwenu plied her trade and profession mostly in Lagos and Abuja.

And though the two were cosmopolitan, they never lost connection with the South East. Chief Iwuanyanwu took a more than casual interest in the affairs of his Imo State and Igbo land. To underscore his nexus and passion for Igbo advancement, he was, until his death, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, a pan cultural organisation.

Lady Onwenu gave robust effect and energy to Igbo culture. She rendered some of her memorable songs in Igbo.
Both epitomised the phoenix-like resilience for which the Igbo are renowned. This resilience manifested itself in the aftermath of the fratricidal Nigerian civil war. They were indomitable in the manner they pursued their chequered careers.

Both, in spite of their roaring successes in other endeavours, made forays into politics. But they did so only with qualified success. For quite a while, until he entered the evening of his earthly existence, Chief Iwuanyanwu aspired to be Nigeria’s president. One’s surmise is that he intended to mainstream his Igbo nationality into politics and to make an eloquent statement that his Igbo race had arrived at Nigeria’s political firmament. Lady Onwenu once made an abortive attempt to chair the affairs of her Local Government Area.

Even though their adventures into politics were not luminous, they nonetheless lived lives of giving. Both were into philanthropy. And in so doing, they further touched lives positively. This, perhaps they would have done on grander scales if they had secured the levers of power.
By any yardstick, Chief Iwuanyanwu and Lady Onwenu were shimmering successes. They had the Midas Touch. In spite of these accomplishments and blessings, they had, like all mortals, their frailties.

Tormented by critics when she was the Director-General of the National Women Centre, Onwenu found recourse in playing the ethnic card. Suddenly this well acclaimed and world-beloved artiste, whose music had etched itself in our consciousness, and who once waged a valiant war on corruption via a celebrated and exquisite documentary, reduced herself into a minion, playing victim hood. She glossed over the issues. She latched onto the slippery rope of ethnic sentiment.

Under pressure, and to ingratiate himself with the military administration of President Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Iwuanyanwu announced the sack of his intrepid Editors at the Champion Newspapers, led by the incomparable newspaper technician, Prince Henry Odukomaiya.

Some of us were outraged. Not only was the story, which prompted their sack true, we felt that the Chief should not have caved in. He was supposed to be the custodian of a public trust, an institution and a platform which served as a market place of ideas.

Besides, the sack went against the grain of the motto of the University which this humble writer and Chief Iwuanyanwu attended. The exalted motto of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is:”To Restore The Dignity of Man”. By kowtowing to the military, and by hamhandedly sacking his Editors to please them, he had devalued, not only the dignity of man but that of humanity.

Still, all mortals, including the prophets, had their blemishes. And one supposes that the brilliant and inspiring accomplishments of the two should erase their failings and etch them in our memories. It is a testament to her nobility that Lady Onwenu is reported to have canvassed for a “quick, quiet and private” burial. She had also wished three years ago for a burial in which mourners “make merriment and then go about your business”. Though we do not have a record of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s wish(es,) one is certain that given his compassion and the hard times, he would have wished for  the same.

May the memories of Chief Iwuanyanwu and Lady Onwenu remain blessings unto us. Requiem aeternum dona eis (eternal rest grant to them.)

Dazang wrote from Abuja.