The Nigerian movie industry has once again been thrown into mourning after the death of veteran actress, Rachael Oniga.
Oniga, who began her acting career in 1993, died on Friday night around 10pm, aged 64.
“She passed last night around 10pm. She had malaria and typhoid,” her son, Olatunji, confirmed.
Oniga, a native of Eku in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, was born on 23 May 1957 in Ebute Metta, Lagos State.
She began her acting career in 1993, shortly after her divorce and featured in scores of Nollywood movies – both English and Yoruba – before her death.
Already fans and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn the actress. A fan, @odogwu_nomso, tweeted, “Rest in peace Rachel Oniga, you are a Legend and you will not be forgotten in a hurry. Rest easy in the home beyond.”
Similarly, @itprivacypaulo said, “Rachel Oniga, you’ll forever be remembered. I can’t forget the days you made me laugh in ‘Super Story’. Rest on legend.”
Her colleague, Bimbo Oshin, in a post on Instagram, wrote: “Heaven has just gained yet another beautiful soul 😭😭😭😭😭 Aunty Rachel! Haa! I am speechless. . . . Rest in peace Aunty🙏🙏🙏🙏 This life sha!”
A few of the movies the multiple award-winning actress features in include The Wedding Party, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, 30 Days in Atlanta, Sango, Out of Bounds, among others.
