Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has once again dismissed rumours about his alleged death, describing the recurring claims as baseless and frustrating.
The latest false report is part of a long-running pattern of hoaxes that have trailed the iconic actor since 2012, with different versions alleging that he died abroad, perished in road mishaps, or was involved in fatal air crashes.
Now 78, the respected screen legend, fondly called Ebubedike, remains active in the movie industry and widely celebrated for his contributions to Nigerian cinema. His career achievements have earned him prestigious honours, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Industry Merit Award.
Speaking in a phone interview with newsmen yesterday, Edochie expressed displeasure over the persistent misinformation, revealing that he has been declared dead on several occasions.
“I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home,” he said.
“I have been killed about seven times. There was a time they said I travelled abroad and died there. At other times, they said that the plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia suddenly crashed and I didn’t survive.”
He also recalled an incident that deeply unsettled his family. “There was also a day my wife woke up to prepare for church service, when her telephone rang, and the caller said he heard that I passed away this morning. Last year, somebody from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave.”
Drawing strength from the words of Nigeria’s late first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, whom he once interviewed, the actor added, “However, there was something late Nnamdi Azikwe taught me when I interviewed him. He said that anybody who wishes you death will die before you. All those people who wished Zik death died before him. That was what I learnt from Zik.”
Looking ahead, Edochie noted that he will mark his 79th birthday on March 7 and expressed optimism about longevity, citing his family history. “On March 7, I will be 79. My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family.”
