The death of veteran Nollywood actress, Rachel Oniga who was sometimes called mama Oniga, has once again, thrown the Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning. This is so, because her death is coming just a few weeks after the sad news of Sound Sultan’s death.
Stars especially those from the Nollywood industry on hearing the sad news on Saturday, took to their various social media handles, to express shock and sadness on the passing of Mama Oniga.
Mama Oniga who was a very popular face in both the English and Yoruba movie industry, was said to have died on Friday night, after returning from a movie set. She was aged 64.
A statement released a few hours ago by her family confirming her death, stated that the actress died of heart-related disease and not COVID-19 or malaria and typhoid, as being reported.
See some of the post by Nollywood stars mourning Mama Oniga:
Uche Jombo wrote:
Rest on Legend this is heavy mama you will be missed. Can’t believe we are writing #RIP for Aunty Rachel this life!!!! #racheloniga
Nollywood veteran and a friend of Oniga, Patience Ozokwo, who couldn’t hold back the tears as she mourned the actress.
She wrote: “Her last words to me were ‘don’t forget me oooh’ and I said ‘never’.
Bimbo Oshin The actress wrote: “Heaven has just gained yet another beautiful soul Aunty Rachel! Haa! I am speechless. Rest in peace Aunty This life sha!”
Busola Oke Oke attributed her success to the late actress whom she said was responsible for her breakthrough in the industry. In her words:
“What is happening this 2021 Yi for Christ’s sake? Aunty Rachael Oniga, I can’t narrate the story of my breakthrough without mentioning your name, your film “Eleyele” was the reason why the CEO Bayowa films & records international, Gbenga Adewusi(Baba Itunu) invited me over to do the soundtrack, and God used the “Eleyele” soundtrack, to announce me. In a nutshell, I came to the limelight, through the soundtrack I made for your film so automatically, you were part of my progress. And everywhere you see me, you always treat me specially. Oh, Aunty Rachael, you carried grace and you had a wonderful gift because you interpret your roles naturally not professionally. But why now? Why so soon? Rest in peace Rachael Oniga.
Ogunmola Adepeju:
“Ahhhhh!!!! Eleyi dun mi ooo,God this is sooo sad to wake up to. I’m speechless right now….but God knows best. Rest In Peace Racheal Oniga “
Adebayo Salami The veteran Yoruba actor penned down this tribute: “There is a time to live, and a time to leave. There is never a perfect time to lose a loved one. Our beloved Rachael Oniga is gone. A great thespian with fascinating legacies.
What her family said about her death on Saturday 31st July 2021:
According to a statement released on Saturday 31st July 2021, by the family which confirmed the death of the actress, 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.”