Tributes for Late Veteran Actress, Rachel Oniga

Veteran Nollywood actress, Rachel Oniga, has passed on. She died on Friday, July 30 at the age of 64. As against reports that she died of COVID-19 complications, her family released a statement on the cause of her death. Oniga died of a heart-related illness, the family said.

The sister of the late actress, Toyin Odusote, released a statement on behalf of the family. 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 course. 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.”

Her colleagues mourn her

In his message on the passing of Oniga, actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, said, “This is so surreal! I posted a #throwback picture of my ‘Owo Blow’ on-screen mother on Thursday, only to lose her Friday. So sad! Rest in Peace. You will be missed Mama Rachel Oniga.”

Actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham, posted on her Instagram page saying, “Iya Yetunde Alakada, odigba (till we meet again) ma’am. Rest in peace. God, we will continue to praise your Holy name because we can’t question you but this one pained me.”

Meanwhile, veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello, also paid tributes to his late colleague. He wrote, “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.”

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Veteran actress, Joke Silva said that Oniga was a committed colleague. She wrote, “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.”

Oniga, a Delta State indigene, was born in Eku on May 23, 1957. During her lifetime, she featured in movies such as, ‘Owo Blow’, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, 30 Days in Atlanta, Restless Mind, among others. Her most recent role was in Village People, which was produced by comedian and actor, Bovi Ugboma.

She is survived by children and grandchildren. May her soul rest in peace.