By Joke Kujenya
BELOVEDLY known as Ovularia from the iconic 1980s television sitcom, ‘The New Masquerade,’ Madam Elizabeth Evoeme, has passed away at the ripe age of 81. Her natural beauty and sweet-natured mien captured the screens and hearts of her fans back then.
Her demise was confirmed by a family member, stating that she was surrounded by her loved one during her last moments.
In a released by the Evoeme Emekalam Family, they expressed gratitude to her colleagues, friends, fans and the media, while requesting privacy during this period of grief.
Ovularia’s daughter, Justina Ngozi Evoeme, based in London, described her mother’s death as painful and shocking, stating: “I need to get my head around what has happened.”
The news of Ovularia’s death comes after she was previously rumoured to have passed away in 2019, which she dismissed as false at the time.
Chika Okpala, known for his role as Chief Zebrydaya Okoroigwe Nwaogbe in the TV sitcom, also debunked the rumours back then, affirming Ovularia’s well-being. He was the forceful husband, who, whenever he needed his wife’s attention would always yell: “Ovularia Okoroigwe Nwaogbe alias 4.30!” And she, in her usual calmness, would appear, always cool and smiley.
According to media reports, the actress died n Port Harcourt signaling the conclusion of a significant period of life.
Ovularia’s career thrived from 1982 to 1993, preceding the advent of Nollywood. She was born on December 1, 1942 in Calabar, Cross River State. She hailed from a family associated with maritime endeavours.
She starred in the 1993 Nollywood movie, ‘Circle of Doon,; following her retreat from the television spotlight, she maintained a relatively quiet presence, occasionally grappling with unfounded tales of her demise.
In March 2017, Veronica Njoku, popular for her role as “Ramota,” who played a role as the wife of Chief Jegede (acted by Claude Eke), and a close ally of Ovularia in The New Masquerade died.
Ovularia’s death has left scores of her fans in mourning mood with different posts on her flooding various social media platforms to relive the bits they could remember of her on TV.
Her family statement reads: “Colleagues, friends and fans, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the legendary actress, Elizabeth Lizzy “Ovularia” Evoeme, known for her role in ‘The New Masquerade.’ ‘Elizabeth Ovularia will be dearly missed and was deeply loved by her family and fans. We appreciate your support and ask for privacy during this difficult time. May our dear Elizabeth Ovularia Evoeme rest in perfect peace.”
Addressing the 2019 rumours, Ovularia clarified that she was not seriously ill and condemned those responsible for spreading false information, asserting that they should face consequences.
