Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged illness, bringing an end to a career spanning more than 25 years in the Nigerian film industry.
The actor reportedly passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, although the specific nature of his illness has not been disclosed.
According to TheCable, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, confirmed the actor’s death.
Yakubu also paid tribute to the late entertainer in an Instagram post on Friday, November 6.
“Another legend bows out! RIP, Diewit Ikpechukwu,” he wrote.
Ikpechukwu was widely recognised for portraying traditional rulers, elders and influential characters in Nollywood productions.
From football to Nollywood
Before establishing himself in the Nigerian film industry, Ikpechukwu pursued a career in football and broadcasting.
He attended Comprehensive High School, Awo-Omamma, in Imo State, before proceeding to Kaduna State Polytechnic, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Marketing.
During his football career, he played as a right winger for clubs including Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks.
His performances reportedly earned him an invitation to Nigeria’s national football team, then known as the Green Eagles, during the 1970s.
However, the actor declined the opportunity following his father’s insistence that he concentrate on his education.
In a 2021 interview with The Next Edition, Ikpechukwu recalled how his father’s decision influenced the direction of his career.
He subsequently worked as a football team manager, including with Vasco da Gama in Enugu, before moving into radio broadcasting as a sports commentator.
Ikpechukwu’s acting career spans over 25 years
Ikpechukwu later transitioned into acting, initially appearing in television productions before establishing himself in Nollywood.
His feature film debut came in the 1998 production Evil Men, where he portrayed a traditional ruler alongside veteran actors including Pete Edochie.
Over the years, he appeared in several Nigerian films, including Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King (2007) and Ìjé Love (2022).
His performances earned him recognition among audiences familiar with traditional and historical Nollywood productions.
Beyond acting, Ikpechukwu served as chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, where he supported and mentored younger performers.
Film industry mourns veteran actor
Reacting to his death, the Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Audu, described Ikpechukwu as a committed professional who contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Audu paid tribute to the late actor in a condolence message issued on Saturday.
“Diewait Ikpechukwu was more than an actor; he was a committed professional,” he said.
Audu also expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family, colleagues and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Ikpechukwu’s death represents another loss for Nollywood, particularly among veteran performers who contributed to the industry’s development.
Details of his funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced at the time of reporting.
