Nollywood in Mourning: Solomon Akiyesi Dies in His Sleep at Home in Abuja

The Nigerian film industry is in deep mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi, who passed away in his sleep at his home in Abuja on Sunday April 26, 2026. He did not wake up. The news was confirmed on Monday by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, who described the loss as devastating for the entire Nollywood community.

Yakubu confirmed that Akiyesi's remains have been deposited in a mortuary in Abuja where the incident occurred, and stated that the guild was awaiting further details from the actor's family regarding the specific circumstances surrounding his passing. According to reports, Akiyesi had complained of chest pain the night before his death and was taken to a hospital where doctors diagnosed him with an ulcer and administered medication. He returned home, went to sleep, and his wife attempted to wake him around 4 in the morning only to find that he was unresponsive.

A Career Spanning Over Two Decades and More Than 100 Films

Solomon Akiyesi was born and raised in Ososo, in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, and received his primary and secondary education in his hometown before going on to attend the University of Ibadan for his higher education. He entered the Nigerian film industry in the late 1990s and never looked back, building a reputation over more than two decades as one of Nollywood's most versatile and dependable character actors.

His filmography spans more than 100 productions, a testament to an actor who approached his craft with consistency and commitment throughout a career that saw him take on roles across a wide range of genres. His notable credits include Deadly Affair, Heart of a Saint, Marry Who You Love, Olaedo the Fisher Girl, Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Gen Z Wife, Kiss My Pain, and Bridge of Contract among many others. Each of these productions added to a body of work that his colleagues and fans are now reflecting on with deep appreciation following the news of his death.

Beyond Acting: His Contributions to the Industry

Akiyesi's contributions to Nigerian entertainment extended beyond his work as an actor. He was also a producer and director who invested in the creation of original Nollywood content. He served on the Board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and held the position of President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives, reflecting his commitment to supporting the cultural community of his home region alongside his broader work within the film industry.

Tributes Pour In From Colleagues

The news of Akiyesi's death spread rapidly across social media on Monday morning and the response from colleagues, fans, and followers of Nigerian cinema has been immediate and heartfelt. Actors, directors, and industry figures have taken to various platforms to share tributes describing him as a warm, professional, and genuinely talented individual whose presence on set and off it made a positive impression on everyone he worked with.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria asked Nigerians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during what AGN President Yakubu called one of the most difficult days the guild has faced this year. Details about his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.