By Akinwale Kasali
Exactly Four and Half Years after her rumoured demise in November 5, 2019, veteran and iconic actress, Elizabeth Evoeme, popularly known as Ovularia for her role in popular Sitcom, The New Masquerade in the 1980s is dead.
The Actress was the onscreen wife of Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4.30 in the rested 1980s sitcom.
Ovularia played the character in the sitcom as a confident wife who never hesitates to challenge her husband, creating tension and friction within the household.
The Thespian was said to have died last weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Announcing her demise is her daughter, Justina Ngozi Evoeme, based in London, United Kingdom. She stated that the thespian was surrounded by loved ones before her death.
Justina described her mother’s demise as painful and shocking, adding, “I need to get my head around what has happened.”
Also confirming Ovularia’s death in a terse statement, Evoeme Emekalam’s family said, “Friends, fans, colleagues, the family of the legendary actress, Elizabeth Lizzy ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme, would like to notify the public, all those who loved her and her work in ‘The new Masquerade,’ of her passing. Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme will be dearly missed and was extremely loved by her family and also by you, her fans.
“We thank you all for your support and for respecting our privacy at this time. God bless you all and may our dear Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme rest in perfect peace, now and always.”
Ovularia’s career thrived from 1982 to 1993, preceding the rise of Nollywood.
Born on 1 December 1942 in Calabar, Cross River State, she hailed from a family associated with maritime endeavours.
In a curious revelation, she admitted to never fully comprehending the significance behind her stage name, “Ovularia.”
The actress starred in the 1993 Nollywood movie, ‘Circle of Doom’4.
Following her retreat from the television spotlight, she maintained a relatively subdued presence, occasionally grappling with unfounded rumours of her demise.
In March 2017, Veronica Njoku, popular for her role as Ramota in ‘The New Masquerade,’ passed away. The late Njoku played the role of Chief Jegede’s (played by Claude Eke) wife and a close ally of Ovularia.
