The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi, who reportedly passed away in his sleep after a brief illness.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Yakub Abubakar, confirmed the development, describing it as a significant loss to the industry.

According to him, the actor had complained of chest pain the night before his death and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with an ulcer and given medication.

He was subsequently discharged and returned home, but did not wake up the following morning.

“His wife tried to wake him around 4 a.m., but he did not respond,” the AGN president disclosed.

Mr. Abubakar said the guild is in mourning and stands with the bereaved family during this difficult period. The late actor’s remains have since been deposited at a morgue in Abuja.

Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues across the industry, many of whom have taken to social media to honour his memory and contributions to Nollywood.

Actress Celestina Dovigalle described Akiyesi as lively and energetic, noting that he brought vibrancy and passion to every production he was part of.

Over the course of his career, Akiyesi featured in more than 100 films, earning recognition for his versatility both as an actor and producer.

He was known for roles in productions such as Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract, Heart of a Saint, Marry Who You Love (2016), Gen Z Wife (2024), and Accidentally Us (2025).

A native of Ososo in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, he began his Nollywood journey in the late 1990s and remained active in the industry for decades.

His passing marks the end of a long and impactful career that contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.