Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has urged Nigerians to refrain from questioning the deaths of Nollywood movie stars, emphasizing that death is an inevitable aspect of life that affects everyone.

In a statement shared on her Instagram page, Edochie expressed frustration at queries such as “What is happening in Nollywood?” and asserted that death is a natural occurrence that cannot be avoided, affecting people from all walks of life.

“If teachers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen and women, even pastors can die, then what is so different about the deaths of filmmakers? People, especially in Nigeria, often come up with questions like; what is happening in Nollywood? Why are actors dying? something has gone ‘bla bla bla: what has gone wrong? Are actors not humans too? Please questions like this are annoying and ought to stop because death is only a displeasing call of nature.”
Rita Edochie

Rita Edochie emphasized that celebrities, like everyone else, are susceptible to death, and their passing should not be sensationalized or treated differently.

Regarding the recent passing of Nollywood legend Muonagor, Edochie mourned his death and paid tribute to his life and contributions to the industry.

“It was too bad he couldn’t recover from this illness. Amaechi, ‘your departure has left an irreplaceable void in the midst of my family and I’. You were more than a brother and colleague; you were a beacon of light, illuminating our days with your infectious laughter and unwavering kindness. Your absence is felt deeply, as we remember the countless moments shared and the lessons learned from your wisdom.
“While we mourn your loss, we also celebrate the beautiful life you lived and the indelible mark you left on our hearts. Rest peacefully, dear brother and friend, knowing that your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us in the days ahead. Rest in power, my dear brother, friend, and colleague, Chief Amaechi Muonagor. May God Almighty grant the family you left behind the fortitude to bear the loss, Amen.”
Rita Edochie

However, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Chairperson, Enugu Chapter, Ene Brown, shared some details of the deceased [Mounagor], stating he battled with diabetes for over ten years, but started appealing to the public for assistance some few months ago.

“We did our best in supporting him with the little we can as an organisation and individuals, but death is inevitable. Uncle, as he was fondly called, was energetic, friendly and acrobatic; we enjoyed him while he was alive. We miss him so much,” he said.

He revealed that the deceased [Muonagor] battled with different ailments for a very long time. “It became worse in 2024 when he came down with stroke, diabetes and kidney failure,” Ene Brown noted.

Expression Of Dismay

Rita Edochie took her stand against certain attitudes prevailing among women regarding marital relationships, expressing her dismay on social media.

The actress addressed the tendency of some women to justify a man’s departure from his longtime wife by claiming he has moved to a better place where he finds comfort and peace of mind.

Rita Edochie’s post conveyed her disapproval of such sentiments, emphasizing the pain they inflict, especially when expressed by women themselves, both married and the singles.

“I see and hear comments like this every day both online and offline, what is more, heart-wrenching is that the comment is being made by women, in particular, both single and married,” she wrote highlighting the pervasive nature of these attitudes.

Expressing her concern further, Rita Edochie offered a prayer for those who make such comments, invoking a scenario where their own relationships or marriages reach a critical point, and their partners choose to depart for what they perceive as a better place.

“When your relationship/marriage has gotten to its peak, I mean a level when you and your kids may need his attention the most, may he leave you to go that better place where he finds comfort and genuine peace of mind. Heaven will always pay you in your own coin. It will always be well.”
Rita Edochie

The actress’s message underscores a broader societal conversation about relationships, gender roles, and empathy urging for a more compassionate and understanding approach in interpersonal dynamics.