The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi.
Akiyesi is reported to have died on Sunday after going to bed and failing to wake up the next morning. His death was confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National President Abubakar Yakubu.
Yakubu said the actor had complained of chest pain the night before and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with an ulcer and given medication.
He later returned home and went to sleep.
“His wife tried to wake him around 4 a.m., but he did not respond,” Yakubu said.
News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nollywood, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his work and legacy.
Akiyesi had a long career as an actor, director and entrepreneur, appearing in productions such as Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract and Heart of a Saint.
He was widely regarded as a versatile performer who left a lasting impression on the industry.
By the time of publication, burial arrangements had not been announced.
Akiyesi was a veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker renowned for his ability to portray complex characters, ranging from stern traditional figures to dramatic antagonists.
He rose to significant fame during the 2000s and 2010s, becoming a staple in Nigerian cinema with a filmography spanning over a hundred productions.
While his professional versatility earned him respect within the industry, he also frequently made headlines in national tabloids due to his colourful and often controversial personal life, making him one of the most recognisable and talked-about figures in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.