Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has once again debunked viral claims that he is dead, describing the reports as false, reckless, and deeply disturbing.
The fresh rumour adds to a long list of similar hoaxes that have followed the veteran actor for over a decade. Since 2012, fake stories have repeatedly surfaced, alleging that he died overseas, was involved in fatal road accidents, or perished in imaginary plane crashes.
At 78, the revered screen icon, popularly known as Ebubedike, remains active and highly respected in the film industry. His immense contribution to Nollywood has earned him notable honours, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award.
Reacting in a phone conversation with journalists yesterday, Edochie firmly dismissed the claims, stressing that he is alive and in good health.
“I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home,” he said.
Sharing his experience with repeated false reports, he added, “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 recounted a distressing moment involving 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.”
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Reflecting on advice he once received from Nigeria’s late foremost nationalist, Nnamdi Azikiwe, the actor said, “However, there was something late Nnamdi Azikwe taught me when I interviewed him. He said that anybody who’s wishing you death will die before you. All those people that wished Zik death died before him. That was what I learnt from Zik.”
Prompt News reports regarding his next birthday, Edochie expressed confidence in long life, noting, “On March 7, I will be 79. My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family.”
