Contrary to reports making rounds, veteran actress, Lizzy Evoeme popularly known as Madam Ovularia in the 80s sitcom, ‘New Masquerade’ is alive.
Evoeme played the role of the submissive wife of Chief Zebrudaya (played by Chika Okpala) in the sitcom that also has several characters.
The founder of the Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, reportedly broke the news on the filmmakers’ WhatsApp group, Filmic that the thespian born Lizzy Evoeme died yesterday morning in Anambra State.
Well, Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo has dismissed the reports that Ovuleria Uredia who played his submissive wife in that sitcom is dead.
Zebrudaya expressed sadness over the unfounded rumours, saying it’s untrue.
While debunking the death rumour when he was contacted on the telephone yesterday, Chief Zebrudaya said Ovuleria is hale and hearty, not dead.
“Who’s wishing her dead? I am telling you now that Ovuleria is not dead. You can call on the telephone and she will speak to you. Wishing death means that she will live longer,” Zebrudaya said.
According to Zebrudaya, due to old age, Ovuleria is currently suffering from arthritis as well as eyesight problem. “It does not mean that she’s dead,” he added.
Also, debunking the rumour, Tony Akposheri, who played the role of Zaccheus, Chief Zebrudaya’s house-help, told Vanguard that he just finished speaking with the thespian now, adding that she’s not dead.
When Vanguard contacted the thespian, her GSM line ran, as she picked up the phone and later hung up.
Organizers of AFRIFF said they are planning to honour Ovuleria with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the movie industry at this year’s festival which opens this weekend in Lagos.
