Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi dies after brief illness

Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died after a brief illness, plunging the Nigerian film industry into mourning.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Yakub Abubakar, confirmed the development.

According to him, the actor’s daughter said Akiyesi complained of chest pain the night before his death and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with an ulcer and given medication.

He reportedly returned home, went to sleep, but did not wake up the following morning.

“His wife tried to wake him around 4 a.m., but he did not respond,” the AGN president said.

He described the death as a major loss to the industry, adding that the guild is mourning with the family. His remains have been deposited in a morgue in Abuja, where he died.

Colleagues have continued to pay tributes on social media, describing Akiyesi as a versatile actor whose performances left a lasting impact on Nollywood productions.

Actress Celestina Dovigalle described him as lively and full of energy, noting that he brought joy to every film set.

Akiyesi was known for roles in movies such as Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract, Heart of a Saint, Marry Who You Love (2016), Gen Z Wife (2024), and Accidentally Us (2025).

A native of Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, he began his Nollywood career in the late 1990s and went on to feature in over 100 films as both actor and producer.