The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into another round of mourning when veteran actress, Rachel Oniga passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021.
Though it was reported on some blogs that she passed away due to complications from COVID-19, her family denied those claims. Another source hinted that her case was complicated by the fact that she was diabetic. But in an interview with Afrosky News, her son, Olatunji had said, “She passed (on) last night (Friday) around 10pm. She had malaria and typhoid.”
A statement from her family said the veteran actress died of health-related issues, and not COVID-19, as being speculated on social media.
The family further revealed the true cause of her death in a statement signed by her sister, Toyin Odusote.
The statement read, “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 Tabuno Oniga.
“She died in a Lagos hospital at the age of 64, on Friday, 30th of July 2021, at 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.”
Meanwhile, colleagues have continued to pay tributes to the iconic role interpreter.
eteran actress, Joke Silva described Oniga as a committed colleague. She wrote on social media, “Sister and incredibly committed colleague. You have to come correct when playing (acting) opposite Rachel Oniga. Not much talk, but all work. Rest in peace, girl. 64 (years old) was a bit early. You have completely blindsided me.”
Another veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello, wrote on Instagram, “There is a time to live and a time to leave. There is never a perfect time to lose a loved one. Our beloved Rachel Oniga is gone. A great thespian with fascinating legacies. Rest in the Lord, my dear sister.”