Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died, throwing the Nigerian film industry into mourning.
His death was confirmed by Abubakar Yakubu, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who said the actor passed away in his sleep on Sunday.
“Yes, it is true. He died yesterday. Slept and did not wake up from sleep,” Yakubu said, adding that “we await further details from the family.”
He also confirmed that “his body is in the morgue in Abuja where the sad incident happened,” noting that the guild is still seeking more information about the circumstances.
Akiyesi, who hailed from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, began his acting career in the late 1990s and rose to become a familiar face in Nollywood.
Over the years, he featured in more than 100 films, including “Marry Who You Love,” “Kiss My Pain,” “Heart of a Saint,” and “Desperate Ladies.”
Colleagues and fans have started paying tribute on social media, remembering him for his energy on set and his long-standing contribution to the industry.
His death adds to a series of recent losses in Nollywood, raising fresh concerns about the well-being of actors and the need for stronger support systems within the industry.
Industry stakeholders say Akiyesi’s legacy will be defined by his consistency and the wide range of roles he played during a career that spanned more than two decades.
