Entertainment
Pete Edochie Alive and Strong, Slams Fresh Death Rumours
Legendary Nollywood icon Pete Edochie has once again debunked rumours of his death, dismissing the latest viral claim as yet another false alarm.
The 78-year-old screen legend, fondly known as Ebubedike, confirmed he is alive and in good health, expressing frustration over the repeated hoaxes that have trailed him for years.
This latest rumour follows a long pattern of fabricated stories dating back to 2012, with false claims suggesting he died abroad, perished in a plane crash, or passed away under mysterious circumstances.
Speaking during a telephone conversation with Vanguard, Edochie made it clear that reports of his death are completely untrue.
“I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home,” he said firmly.
“I’ve Been Killed Seven Times”
The veteran actor revealed that he has been falsely declared dead at least seven times.
“I have been killed about seven times. There was a time they said I travelled abroad and died there. At other times, they said the plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia suddenly crashed and I didn’t survive,” he recounted.
He also shared how one of the rumours affected his family.
“There was a day my wife woke up to prepare for church service when her phone rang and someone told her I had passed away that morning. Last year, someone from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave,” he added.
Despite the disturbing nature of the rumours, the veteran actor remains calm and philosophical about the situation.
Lessons from Zik and Family Longevity
Edochie referenced advice he once received from Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, during an interview.
“There was something late Nnamdi Azikiwe taught me. He said anybody wishing you death will die before you. All those people who wished Zik death died before him,” he said.
The respected actor also pointed to longevity in his family as a source of confidence.
He will celebrate his 79th birthday on March 7 and revealed that his father lived up to 96 years.
“My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family,” he stated.
A Living Legend
Pete Edochie remains one of Nollywood’s most respected figures. He holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and has received the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in recognition of his immense contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Despite persistent online death rumours, the legendary actor is alive, well, and still commanding respect across generations.
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