Nollywood Mourns Again, Loses Another Veteran Actor, Diewait Ikpechukwu

Nollywood has lost another veteran, as respected actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a career spanning more than 25 years.

Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.

Ikpechukwu reportedly died on Thursday, November 5, 2026, according to family sources.

His death was announced by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who paid tribute to the veteran actor in a social media post.

Yakubu described Ikpechukwu as another legend who had passed away.

“Another Legend bows out!! RIP Diewit Ikpechukwu,” he wrote.

Ikpechukwu was a Nigerian actor whose career in the entertainment industry spanned more than 25 years. He became known for his appearances in Nollywood productions, particularly roles in which he portrayed traditional rulers, elders and influential personalities.

Before venturing into the Nigerian movie industry, Ikpechukwu had a background in football and corporate employment.

He played as a right winger during his younger years and reportedly received an invitation to the Green Eagles camp, Nigeria’s former senior national football team, in the 1970s.

He also featured for football clubs including Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks.

Over the course of his acting career, Ikpechukwu appeared in several Nigerian films and worked alongside different generations of Nollywood actors.

His movie credits include Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King (2007), Omera (2019), A Dance to Forget (2020), Emecheta (2021), Nwando (2021) and Ìjé Love (2022).

The veteran actor is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.