Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi has died in his sleep after a brief illness, throwing the Nigerian film industry into mourning. The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Yakub Abubakar, confirmed the development.
He claims that the actor’s daughter said that the night before he passed away, Akiyesi complained of chest trouble and was sent to the hospital, where an ulcer diagnosis and medicine were made. He went back home, fell asleep, and did not wake up the next morning. The president of AGN stated, “His wife tried to wake him around 4a.m. but he did not respond.”
He described the actor’s death as a major loss to the industry, adding that the guild is mourning with his family. His remains have been deposited in a morgue in Abuja, where he died. In their social media tributes, colleagues have described Akiyesi as a dynamic actress whose performances had a lasting impact.
Actress Celestina Dovigalle described him as lively and full of energy, noting that he brought joy to every set. Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract, Heart of a Saint, Marry Who You Love (2016), Gen Z Wife (2024), and Accidentally Us (2025) were among the films in which Akiyesi starred.
A native of Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, he began his Nollywood career in the late 1990s and featured in over 100 films, earning recognition as both an actor and producer.
