Nollywood Actor Solomon Akiyesi Dies at 58, Threw Industry into Mourning

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Solomon Akiyesi has passed away at the age of 58, throwing the Nigerian film industry into mourning. The tragic incident was confirmed on Monday, April 27, 2026, by Abubakar Yakubu, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). According to Yakubu, Akiyesi died in his sleep on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Abuja.

Providing further details, the AGN president revealed that the actor had complained of chest pain the night before his death. “His 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 returned home, went to sleep, but did not wake up the following morning,” Yakubu said in a statement. He added, “His wife tried to wake him around 4 a.m., but he did not respond.”

Confirming the incident, Yakubu also disclosed that the actor’s body has since been deposited in a mortuary in Abuja. “Yes, it is true. He died yesterday. He slept and did not wake up. We await further details from the family. His body is in the morgue in Abuja, where the sad incident happened,” the AGN president stated. He described the actor’s death as a major loss to the industry, adding that the guild is mourning with his family.

Born in Edo State, specifically the Akoko-Edo/Ososo area, Solomon Akiyesi began his Nollywood journey in the late 1990s and appeared in more than 100 films over a career spanning more than two decades. He gained recognition for his performances in films including Heart of a Saint, Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract, Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, and The End Is Near.

Following the news of his passing, colleagues and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute. Actress Celestina Dovigalle described him as lively and full of energy, noting that he brought joy to every set. “Some people don’t just walk into a room—they light it up with laughter. Solomon Akiyesi was that kind of soul. Playful, full of life, and always ready to turn even the most serious set into a moment of joy. Working with him meant more than just acting—it meant laughter between takes, lightness in heavy moments, and a presence that made everything feel easier. If there’s one thing that will always stay, it’s the joy he carried so effortlessly. Nollywood won’t forget that, and neither will I,” she wrote.

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. The guild is still awaiting additional information from the family of the deceased concerning the events that led to his death.