Actress Rita Edochie has condemned online reports claiming that her in‑law, veteran actor Pete Edochie, had died.
The false story circulated widely on social media this week before being dismissed by the family and the man who first shared it.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Rita shared a photo of Pete Edochie and wrote that she does not understand why people write untrue things about others for money. She said some individuals spread false stories just to attract attention. She asked what wrong the Edochies had done and questioned whether those spreading such reports had a conscience or families.
Rita added that rumours about the actor’s death have appeared before and that many people who wished him dead are themselves gone while he remains alive. She assured her followers that “Chief Pete Edochie … is very much alive.”
She thanked her followers for their calls and concern, adding, “My great husband Chief Pete Edochie is very much alive, hale and hearty. The person and persons wishing him dead will die before him.”
The post followed a viral claim by an X user that the 78‑year-old actor had been rushed to hospital and died. The story spread across X, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook before being exposed as false.
The man behind the viral post later apologised publicly, admitting he fabricated the claim. Pete Edochie’s family also spoke out. His eldest son Leo described the death claim as untrue and said his father is alive and in good health. “It is a lie from the pit of hell,” he said, adding that those wishing the actor dead will not outlive him.
The family’s communications team reiterated that Pete Edochie is well and warned bloggers and media outlets against sharing unverified information. This is not the first time false death rumours about Pete Edochie have circulated online. Reports of his passing have surfaced repeatedly and were debunked each time.
