Florence Okosun, wife of the late Nigerian music icon Sonny Okosun, has spoken about what happened in her husband’s last few hours before he passed away in 2008. Sonny was known across Nigeria and Africa for using music to speak against injustice, promote peace, and inspire hope. He died in a hospital in the United States after battling colon cancer.
In an interview with VANGUARD on Saturday July 26 2025, she said the doctors told her that Sonny had only a few hours left to live. Hearing this, she stayed by his side, holding him close and praying quietly.
According to her, Sonny made a request before passing—he asked her to read Psalm 118, his favorite chapter from the Bible. She said she began to read it to comfort him, while she was reading, Sonny told her he was thirsty and asked for some water. But she said the doctors advised her not to give him any because of his health condition.
Florence said Sonny looked sad when he didn’t get the water, but he still told her to continue reading. She said she kept reading the Psalm while holding his hand. According to her, after a while, Sonny slowly closed his eyes and passed away peacefully in her arms.
She said although it was a heartbreaking moment, she felt honored to be with him in his final minutes. She also said Sonny left with faith in his heart and love around him.
Her words,
“On the day of his passing on May 24, 2008, I was told that he had only few hours before he passed away in my arms. His last command was that I should read Psalm 118, his favorite Psalm with him. While I was reading it for him, he said he was thirsty and demanded for water. But the doctors said I should not give him water. With a touch of regret in his face, he asked me to continue to read Psalm 118. I went on and on until he slipped away.”
