Veteran Actress Rachel Oniga is Dead
Nollywood is in mourning again as one of the grand dames of Nigerian Theatre Rachel Oniga died on Friday July 30 of an undisclosed ailment at the age of 64.
Sources said the Thespian was early in the week part of the acting crew of a production being shot in Mowe ogun state.
When news of her death filtered out early Saturday morning, the shock was palpable as her colleagues said they were not aware she was nursing any ailment.
Born on the 23rd of May 1957 in Ebutte Metra, Lagos state but originally from Eku Delta State, the star made her Nollywood debut in the 1996 hit movie ‘Onome.’
She went on to star in many big productions including the popular Wale Adenuga Television series ‘Super Story’. Her most recent movies include ‘Chief Daddy,’ ‘Royal Hibiscus Hotel’ and ‘My Village People.’
The family released an official statement on Saturday July 31st disclosing the cause of the death of Chief. Rachel Tabuno Oniga.
“With a heavy heart and total submission to God, we write to announce the passing unto glory of our beloved sister, mother and grandmother; Chief. Rachel Tabun Oniga.
She died in a Lagos hospital at the age of 64, on Friday, 30th of July 2021, at about 10pm.
Contrary to diverse reports informing that she died from COVID-19 complications, we write to inform the general public that she died from a heart related issue; an ailment she battled with for a short period before her demise.
We accept her sudden transition as God’s design and we see it as a function of a race of life well finished. Painful as it may be, we accept it in good faith and total submission to her maker.
We therefore desire to be allowed to mourn her death privately for now, as we do this with deep sense of respect for her soul and the glorious life she lived.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due cause. We appreciate the calls, messages and condolences expressed by everyone and we pray for a sweet repose of her beautiful soul.
Please accept this release as the only authentic one on behalf of the family until we come up with another.”
– Tosin Odusote
For the family
July 31,2021.
Until her death, she was survived by three children and several grandchildren.
S.S
