An own goal from Stephen Eze put Enyimba ahead, before Nzube Anaezemba and Ezekiel Bassey embarrassed the leaders with more goals for the six-time Premier League champions.
But Tunde Adeniji scored a face saving goal for Sunshine Stars in the second half injury time.
Three points was enough for Kadiri Ikhana to keep Sunshine Stars on their toes, but trail the Akure outfit due to an inferior goal-difference.
Enyimba bossed the opening exchanges and camped out in the Sunshine half for much of the first quarter, as the visitors soaked up plenty of early pressure.
The hosts did not have it all their own way, however, as Sunshine Stars found their rhythm and got a few shots away at goal, none troubling goalkeeper Femi Thomas.
A frustrated Sunshine Stars outfit were forced to bide their time and relied on a number of opportunistic attempts.
A criminal miss from Ifeanyi George surprised the spectators. The forward dribbled past goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa but somehow failed to score with the net at his mercy.
The People's Elephants were eventually rewarded for their continued efforts as under pressure defender Eze diverted a cross from Bassey into his own net.
With the opener secured, Enyimba asked for more and they added another through Anaezemba.
The dangerous Bassey put the clueless Sunshine Stars to the sword with the third goal of the match in the 48th minute.
Sunshine Stars come close to reducing the deficit through a free-kick. Adeniji saw his strike spilled by Thomas who gathered on a second attempt.
The Flying Eagles invitee also saw his 66th minute header crash off the woodwork, while Onobi Paul was denied by Thomas.
Fifteen minutes to the end of the match, Sunshine Stars were reduced to ten men. Adigun Adebayo got a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on the crafty Bassey.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sunshine Stars looked the better side and were awarded a late penalty which was converted by Adeniji.
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