By George Omagbemi
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Chief Diewait Ikpechukwu, who reportedly passed away at the age of 71.
His death was announced on Friday by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who paid tribute to the late actor in a social media post.
“Another Legend bows out!! RIP Diewit Ikpechukwu,” Yakubu wrote, using a slightly different spelling of the actor’s first name.
Reports citing a family source said Ikpechukwu died after a prolonged illness. However, the specific nature of the illness was not disclosed.
Before establishing himself in Nollywood, Ikpechukwu had a background in football, playing as a right winger in the 1970s. He reportedly attracted attention for his football skills and received an invitation to the Green Eagles camp, as Nigeria’s national football team was then known.
He also developed an interest in broadcasting while studying in Kaduna, working with radio stations as a sports commentator.
His journey into acting followed his involvement in television productions at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Enugu. He made his feature film debut in Evil Men in 1998, playing a traditional ruler alongside established actors.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, he became recognised for portraying kings, traditional rulers and other influential characters in Nollywood films.
Ikpechukwu also served as chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s Enugu State chapter, where he was involved in mentoring younger actors.
His death marks another loss to the Nigerian film industry, with colleagues and admirers remembering his contributions to Nollywood.
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