By Rahim Abdul
Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, who passed away at the age of 71.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) confirmed his death on Friday, November 6, 2026, through a tribute shared by its National President, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, on Instagram.
According to Nigerian media reports, Ikpechukwu died on Thursday, November 5, after battling an illness for some time.
His death marks the loss of an experienced performer whose contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry spanned more than 25 years.
Throughout his acting career, Ikpechukwu featured in several Nollywood productions, earning recognition among audiences who followed Nigerian films.
Some of the movies associated with him include The Guilty, Python King, Evil Men and Omera.
However, acting was not his first career path, as he reportedly played football before venturing into the Nigerian film industry.
He also worked as a sports commentator, bringing his passion for football into broadcasting before establishing himself in acting.
His journey from football and sports commentary to the big screen reflected his involvement in different areas of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have emerged from the entertainment community as colleagues and fans reflect on his contribution to Nollywood.
At 71, Ikpechukwu leaves behind a legacy of performances in Nigerian films and a career that spanned more than two decades.
His death is another moment of sadness for Nollywood, with the Nigerian film industry remembering a veteran performer whose work formed part of its rich acting history.
