Nollywood Veteran Diewait Ikpechukwu Dies at 71 After Prolonged Illness
Nollywood has lost veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, who died at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.
The actor, widely recognised for portraying traditional rulers and other powerful figures on screen, reportedly died on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
A family source confirmed his death, while his daughter, Chiamaka, also appealed to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to allow her family to make the announcement.
“I’m still wearing my dad’s shirt. He wore it yesterday,” she said, asking the guild not to announce his death on her behalf.
However, AGN National President Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu announced the actor’s passing on Friday, November 6. He described Ikpechukwu as “another legend” who had bowed out.
Diewait Ikpechukwu’s Acting Career
Born on August 23, 1955, Ikpechukwu spent more than 25 years in the Nigerian film industry.
His acting career gained momentum after he featured in Second Chance, an NTA Enugu production. He later made his feature film debut in Evil Men (1998), where he played a traditional ruler alongside veteran actor Pete Edochie.
His commanding screen presence made him a familiar face in films that featured kings, chiefs and other authority figures.
Some of his other film credits include Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King(2007) and Ìjé Love (2022).
From Football to Nollywood
Before joining the entertainment industry, Ikpechukwu reportedly played football as a right winger during the 1970s.
He later worked as a radio sports commentator and business office manager before building his career in acting.
Beyond his film roles, he also served as chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s Enugu State chapter. In that position, he supported and mentored younger actors entering the industry.
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The Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Israel Audu, described his death as a major loss to Nigerian cinema.
“Diewait Ikpechukwu was more than an actor; he was a committed professional,” Audu said.
Veteran Actors Nollywood Has Lost in 2026
Ikpechukwu’s death adds to the list of veteran Nigerian actors who have passed away in 2026.
Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 at the age of 66. Actor Taiwo Hassan, also known as Ogogo, reportedly died on August 23, aged 66, after battling stage-four cancer.
Veteran actor Olu Jacobs died on September 16 at the age of 84, with his family announcing his death on Instagram.
Similarly, Francis Duru, known for his role in Rattlesnake, died on October 23 at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
Ikpechukwu’s passing comes less than two weeks after Duru’s death.
The late actor is survived by his wife, Gloria, his children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of filing.
