Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has once again dismissed rumours of his death, voicing frustration over what he described as a recurring false narrative that has followed him for years.
The iconic actor, widely known as Ebubedike, said he has been falsely reported dead about seven times, describing the repeated claims as unfounded and mischievous.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Vanguard on Tuesday, Edochie firmly refuted the latest reports, stressing that he is alive and in good health.
“I’m alive and will die only when my maker calls me home,” he said.
The 78-year-old actor recounted several past instances when rumours of his death spread, including stories alleging that he died overseas or in a plane crash.
“I have been declared dead about seven times. At one point, they said I travelled abroad and died there. On other occasions, they claimed that a plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia crashed and I didn’t survive,” he stated.
He also recalled a troubling episode involving his wife.
“One morning, my wife was preparing for church when her phone rang, and someone told her they heard I had passed away. Just last year, someone in Ghana claimed that Pete Edochie was already in the grave,” he added.
Edochie said he draws encouragement from a lesson shared with him by late nationalist leader Nnamdi Azikiwe during an interview he once conducted with him.
“Late Nnamdi Azikiwe once told me that anyone wishing you death would die before you. All those who wished Zik death died before him. That lesson has stayed with me,” he said.
The celebrated actor, who will mark his 79th birthday on March 7, expressed gratitude for his continued good health, noting that longevity runs in his family.
“I will be 79 on March 7. My father lived to 96, so longevity is part of my family history,” he said.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, Edochie remains one of Nollywood’s most respected figures.
Despite repeated death hoaxes dating back to 2012, the revered screen legend continues to enjoy widespread admiration from fans within Nigeria and abroad.