Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has once more addressed false reports circulating about his death, describing the rumours as repetitive fabrications that have followed him for years. The revered screen icon expressed disappointment over what he called baseless and mischievous claims about his passing.
Popularly known as Ebubedike, the celebrated actor said he has been wrongly reported dead on multiple occasions—estimating the number to be about seven times. According to him, the recurring hoaxes have ranged from claims that he died while abroad to stories alleging he was involved in a fatal plane crash.
In a recent telephone conversation, Edochie firmly dismissed the latest rumour, stating clearly that he is alive and in good health. “I am alive, and I will only die when my Creator decides it is time,” he said, emphasizing his unwavering faith.
Reflecting on some of the more outrageous claims, the 78-year-old actor recounted how one report alleged he had travelled overseas and passed away there. On another occasion, false stories claimed that an aircraft he boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia had crashed, supposedly claiming his life.
He also shared a particularly troubling experience involving his wife. According to Edochie, there was a morning when his wife was preparing for church and received a phone call from someone who claimed to have heard that the actor had died earlier that day. In another instance last year, a social media post originating from Ghana falsely alleged that he had already been buried.
Despite the distress such rumours can cause, Edochie said he draws strength from a lesson he once learned from Nigeria’s late nationalist and former President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Having interviewed Azikiwe in the past, the actor recalled being told that those who wish death upon others often do not outlive their targets. Edochie said the words left a lasting impression on him and have helped him maintain perspective whenever such stories emerge.
Approaching his 79th birthday on March 7, the actor expressed gratitude for his continued good health. He attributed his vitality partly to a history of longevity in his family, noting that his father lived to the age of 96.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, Pete Edochie remains one of Nollywood’s most respected and influential figures. Despite enduring repeated death hoaxes dating back over a decade, the legendary actor continues to command admiration from fans across Nigeria and internationally, standing firm in both career and spirit.
0 Comments