The Nigerian movie industry on Friday woke up to the sad news of the death of one of the most talented actresses in the industry; Racheal Oniga.
It was earlier reported that the veteran actress died in a hospital on Friday, July 30, 2021, from a heart-related ailment.
Many of Oniga’s colleagues have reacted to the shocking news and have taken to their social media platforms to pay tributes to the deceased.
Reacting to her death, popular actress; Joke Silva described the late actress as an incredibly committed colleague, adding that she completely blindsided her.
On her Instagram page, Silva wrote: “Sista… Incredibly committed colleague. You have to come correct when playing opposite ‘Rahel’. Rachel Oniga, not much talk but all work. RIP girl. 64 is a bit early. You have completely blindsided me.”
Also reacting, Patience Ozokwo, in the video she shared, said, “Oh Rachel, I can’t believe this. I thought it was one of those scams. If anyone had told me it was going to be so sudden, I would not have believed it.
“Rachel, we had discussions the last time we met when we were doing Chief Daddy part two.
“Wonderful actress. Bold and beautiful. Oh my goodness, I wish this is not true.
“I believed this because I saw it on the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s page. No one even told me you were sick. I couldn’t even say sorry to my friend.
“Sorry, my sister. Sorry. The ‘sorry’ I couldn’t say to you when you were sick. I didn’t know you were sick. I’m not even in the country.
“My sister from another mother. All the plans we had together. God knows the heart.
“The heavens have done its worst. So sad, so heartrending. I’ll miss you so much.”
On her part, Comedienne and actress, Princess, wrote, “Such a rude shock to hear about Aunty Rachel’s passing. She was so down-to-earth and funny. May her gentle soul rest in peace. May God comfort her family in these dark times.”
Reacting to her death, Akindele thanked the late actress for being so good to her while she was alive.
On her Instagram page, she wrote: “Hmm Aunty Rachael thank you for being so good to me. God knows best.
“Rest In Peace, May the Lord grant your family comfort.”
Another veteran actor; Adebayo Salami said that the Nollywood industry would miss the mastery of Oniga’s profession and the unique way of interpreting her roles.
“Oniga’s death is really sad and a painful one. May her soul rest in peace and may God forgive her shortcomings.
“She was a loyal, humble, and hard-working colleague, also a parent to the core. She did a lot for her children and I pray that God guide and protect them all.
“She is someone who looks out for others and ensures peaceful co-existence among artists.
“The industry will miss her unique way of interpreting her roles,” he told NAN.
Also, Jide Kosoko in a statement he posted on film makers’ WhatsApp platform, Kosoko describes Oniga as a nice colleague whom he considered to be a friend and a sister. He said Oniga’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and commitment to the movie industry would stay fresh in the memories of practitioners.
“Rachel Oniga! What can I say? I never thought I will be saying a painful goodbye to you at this time! You were not just a great professional colleague but a friend and sister,” he wrote.
“The great times we had working together are still very fresh in my memory.”
“Late Oniga was a nice colleague and the memory of the time spent together will never be forgotten.
Read More: BREAKING NEWS: Veteran Nollywood Actress; Rachael Oniga Passes Onhttps://agnesisika.com/breaking-news-veteran-nollywood-actress-rachael-oniga-passes-on/
“She was a friend and a sister. In fact, she was one of those ladies in the profession that interprets her roles properly. She is one of those committed to moving the industry forward. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Also, Waka Music Pioneer, Salawa Abeni, said, “Rest beautifully in the Lord’s bosom Rachel Oniga, a legend in its true definition. May God comfort your family”.
Rachel Oniga was born on May 23, 1957, in Ebute Metta, Lagos State. She hails from Eku, Delta State in Southern Nigeria. She began her acting career in 1993.
Until her death, Oniga who is also called Tabuno was one of the most popular and influential actors in Nollywood.
Oniga made her Nollywood debut in the 1996 hit movie ‘Onome’ and went on to star in several big productions, including ‘Sango’ and Wale Adenuga’s TV series, ‘Super Story.’
The 64-year-old actress is survived by three children and many grandchildren.
May her soul rest in peace, Amen.
