Rachel Oniga’s death which was earlier rumoured to be COVID-19 related, and some report quoting a family member saying she died of malaria and typhoid, has been refuted by the family.
According to a statement released on Saturday 31st July 2021, by the family speaking on Rachel Oniga’s death, the family said contrary to reports, the actress died of a heart-related ailment which she had been nursing weeks before her demise and not coronavirus.
The statement which was posted on the late Rachel Oniga’s official Instagram page disregarded online rumours about the actress losing her life to COVID-19 complications.
Oniga was said to have passed away at a Lagos hospital on Friday, July 30, around 10pm.
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 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 a 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,” the statement added.