From Premium Times Nigeria · Ozaveshe Precious · · 2m
Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71
Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71 after prolonged illness.
In brief
Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71 after prolonged illness. Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu died at age 71 following a prolonged illness, confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Death confirmation
Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu died at age 71 after a prolonged illness.
Family and official confirmation
His death was confirmed on Friday by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu.
Social media tribute
Mr Yakubu announced the development in an Instagram post, paying tribute to the deceased actor.
“Another legend bows out! RIP, Diewait Ikpechukwu”
Circumstances of death
Although the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, reports said he had been ill for some time.
Impact on Nollywood
Ikpechukwu’s death marks another loss for Nollywood, particularly among the generation of actors whose performances helped shape the Nigerian film industry.
Football background
Before becoming an actor, Ikpechukwu had a background in football and broadcasting.
Football career highlights
He was reportedly one of the outstanding right-wingers in the 1970s and received an invitation to the Green Eagles, Nigeria’s former national football team.
Football achievements
In a 2021 interview with The Next Edition, the actor recalled playing for Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks.
Education and early career
Ikpechukwu attended Comprehensive High School in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, before attending Kaduna State Polytechnic, where he earned a Higher National Diploma in Marketing.
Career transition
He subsequently completed his National Youth Service Corps programme at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and earned a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Early acting career
His film credits include The August Meeting, The Guilty, The Guilty 2, Royal Palace, Across the River, Python King, Omera, A Dance to Forget, Emecheta, Nwando and Ìjé Love.
Acting roles
In Ìjé Love (2022), he portrayed King Obumneme, while his other performances included roles in The Living Deity, African Gods, Hunter’s Son and Ijeuwa.
AGN leadership
Ikpechukwu was actively involved in the Actors Guild of Nigeria, serving as the pioneer chairman of its Enugu State chapter.
Mentorship role
During his tenure, he organised seminars and encouraged aspiring actors to understand the different professional opportunities available in filmmaking beyond appearing on screen.
The bottom line
Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu died at age 71 following a prolonged illness, confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
