Celebrities mourn late Nollywood actress Rachael Oniga

Nigerian celebrities have taken to social media to express their shock following the death of veteran Nollywood actress, Rachael Oniga.

According to available report, Oniga died on Friday night in a Lagos State hospital after collapsing.

Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, described her colleague as an incredibly committed professional, adding that her death completely took her off guard.

Silva wrote on Instagram: “SISTA…incredible committed colleague…you have to come correct when playing opposite ‘Rahel’…Rachel Oniga.

“Not much talk…but all work. R.I.P girl. 64 is a bit early. You have completely blindsided me. R.I.P.”

In her tribute, Funke Akindele thanked Oniga for being good to her, praying for comfort for her family.

“Hmmm Aunty Racheal!! Thank you for being so good to me. God knows best. Rest In Peace ma!! May the Lord grant your family comfort,” she wrote.

Oniga starred in multiple Nollywood movies, taking up the role of a mentor for many budding and aspiring actors.

Nollywood actress Bimbo Oshin wrote: “Heaven has just gained yet another beautiful soul Aunty Rachel! Haa! I am speechless. Rest in peace Aunty This life sha!”

Busola Oke said: “What is happening this 2021 Yi for Christ’s sake? Aunty Rachael Oniga, I can’t narrate the story of my breakthrough without mentioning your name, your film ‘Eleyele’ was the reason why the CEO Bayowa films & records international, Gbenga Adewusi (Baba Itunu) invited me over to do the soundtrack, and God used the ‘Eleyele’ soundtrack, to announce me.

“In a nutshell, I came to the limelight, through the soundtrack I made for your film so automatically, you were part of my progress.

“And everywhere you see me, you always treat me specially. Oh, Aunty Rachael, you carried grace and you had a wonderful gift because you interpret your roles naturally not professionally.

“But why now? Why so soon? Rest in peace Rachael Oniga.”

Actress and producer, Peju Ogunmola, wrote: “Ahhhhh!!!! Eleyi dun mi ooo, God this is sooo sad to wake up to. I’m speechless right now….but God knows best. Rest In Peace Racheal Oniga.”

Veteran Yoruba actor, Adebayo Salami, wrote: “There is a time to live, and a time to leave.

“There is never a perfect time to lose a loved one.

“Our beloved Rachael Oniga is gone.

“A great thespian with fascinating legacies. Rest on the Lord, my dear sister.”

Susan Peters wrote: “Please someone tell me this news is not true aunty @racheloniga.”

Muka Ray Eyiwumi, actor and hotelier, expressed sadness at her passing: “Rest in peace sister Rachel Oniga this is so sad.”

Oniga’s death comes a few weeks after the Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into mourning following the death of singer and songwriter, Sound Sultan.