‘I’m Alive’ – Pete Edochie Slams Fresh Death Rumours
Nollywood Actor Pete Edochie Dismisses Death Rumors
Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has once again addressed persistent rumors regarding his death, characterizing them as a long-standing hoax. In a telephone interview with Vanguard on Tuesday, the 78-year-old thespian stated that he has been falsely reported dead approximately seven times over the years.
Edochie, known for his role as Ebubedike, expressed frustration at the repeated misinformation, calling it baseless and mischievous. “I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home,” he stated emphatically.
The actor recalled various instances of these false reports, including claims of his death occurring abroad or in plane crashes. “There was a time they said I traveled abroad and died there. At other times, they claimed that the plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia suddenly crashed, and I didn’t survive,” he said.
Edochie also mentioned a troubling event that affected his wife. “There was a day my wife woke up to prepare for church service when her phone rang, and the caller said they heard that I passed away that morning. Last year, someone from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave,” he added.
Citing wisdom from the late Nigerian nationalist Nnamdi Azikiwe, whom he interviewed, Edochie noted, “Anybody who’s wishing you death will die before you. All those people that wished Zik [Azikiwe] death died before him. That was what I learned from Zik.”
Edochie, who will celebrate his 79th birthday on March 7, expressed gratitude for his good health, attributing his vitality to his family’s longevity. “My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family,” he remarked.
As a recipient of the national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, Edochie remains a highly respected figure in Nollywood. Despite the ongoing death hoaxes that date back to 2012, he continues to enjoy a strong following among fans across Nigeria and beyond.
