The actress was announced dead on Saturday and local reports speculated that she died of COVID-19 complications.
The family, however, revealed the true cause of her death in a statement titled, ‘An official statement on the passing of Chief Rachel Tabuno Oniga,’ signed by her sister, Toyin Odusote.
The statement reads, “With a heavy heart and total submission to God, we write to announce the passing unto glory of our beloved sister, mother and grandmother; Chief Rachel Tabuno Oniga.
“She died in a Lagos hospital at the age of 64, on Friday, 30th of July 2021, at about 10 pm.
“Contrary to diverse reports informing that she died from COVID-19 complications, we write to inform the general public that she died from a heart-related issue; an ailment she battled with for a short period before her demise.
“We accept her sudden transition as God’s design and we see it as a function of a race of life well finished. Painful as it may be, we accept it in good faith and total submission to her maker.
“We therefore desire to be allowed to mourn her death privately for now, as we do this with deep sena se of respect for her soul and the glorious life she lived.
“Burial arrangements will be announced in due cause. We appreciate the calls, messages and condolences expressed by everyone and we pray for a sweet repose of her beautiful soul.
“Please accept this release as the only authentic one on behalf of the family until we come up with another.”