Veteran Actor Pete Edochie Confronts Repeated Death Hoaxes
Legendary Nollywood icon Pete Edochie has once again found himself addressing widespread rumors about his supposed demise. The respected actor, affectionately known as Ebubedike, has revealed this marks the seventh occasion he has had to publicly refute false reports of his passing.
The Persistent Cycle of False Reports
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard newspaper on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the 78-year-old screen veteran calmly clarified his current health status. "I'm alive and will die when my maker calls me home," Edochie stated firmly, dismissing the viral death claims that circulated earlier that day.
The actor recounted multiple bizarre instances where malicious rumors spread about his supposed death. "I have been killed about seven times," he revealed. "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."
Family Distress and Unnecessary Panic
Edochie shared particularly distressing moments when these rumors directly affected his family. He recalled one morning when his wife was preparing for church service and received a shocking phone call. "The caller said he heard that I passed away that morning," the actor recounted. "Last year, somebody from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave."
The veteran performer emphasized that such unfounded reports create unnecessary panic among loved ones and concerned fans who genuinely care about his wellbeing.
Wisdom from Nigeria's Founding Father
Despite facing repeated death hoaxes, Edochie remains remarkably composed, drawing strength from a profound lesson he once learned from Nigeria's late nationalist leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. According to the actor, the former president shared crucial insight about those who maliciously wish death upon others.
"He said that anybody who's wishing you death will die before you," Edochie explained. "All those people that wished Zik death died before him. That was what I learnt from Zik." This prophetic wisdom has helped the actor maintain perspective throughout these challenging situations.
Celebrating Longevity and Family Health
As he prepares to celebrate his 79th birthday on March 7, the Things Fall Apart star shared encouraging news about his family's health history. "My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family," he noted with gratitude.
The celebrated actor expressed appreciation for his continued good health and emphasized that he remains active in his professional endeavors despite the persistent rumors that periodically surface about his wellbeing.
Industry Context and Professional Legacy
This incident highlights the broader challenge many Nigerian celebrities face with false death reports circulating on social media and digital platforms. Edochie's dignified response serves as a model for how public figures can address such sensitive matters with grace and wisdom.
The veteran actor's career spans decades, with numerous iconic roles that have cemented his status as one of Nollywood's most respected performers. His ability to handle these repeated hoaxes with philosophical perspective demonstrates the same strength of character that has defined his professional journey.
