Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu passes away at 71

Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71 after a long illness.

He passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by family members. The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, confirmed his death on Friday.

Yakubu announced the news on Instagram, paying tribute to Ikpechukwu. He said, "Another legend bows out! RIP, Diewit Ikpechukwu," describing him as a legend whose memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The details around his death are still unclear, but reports say he had been ill for some time. No further information about his illness or funeral plans has been shared at this time.

Ikpechukwu's death is a big loss for Nollywood, especially for the actors who shaped the Nigerian film industry.

Before acting, Ikpechukwu had a history in football and broadcasting. He was known as a skilled right-winger in the 1970s and was invited to join the Green Eagles, Nigeria’s former national football team.

In a 2021 interview with The Next Edition, he recalled playing for Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks. He also led the Kaduna State Polytechnic football team to victory at the 1976 Nigerian Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA).

Ikpechukwu worked as a team manager at Vasco da Gama in Enugu. He later moved into radio broadcasting as a sports commentator while pursuing his other interests.

He attended Comprehensive High School in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, and later went to Kaduna State Polytechnic, where he got a Higher National Diploma in Marketing.

Ikpechukwu completed his National Youth Service Corps programme at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also earned a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

He worked at Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) as a marketing manager before retiring as a senior manager.

Ikpechukwu's acting career started on television when he was invited to join the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) production of Second Chance, which featured veteran comedian Chief Zebrudaya.

His first feature film role came in 1998 when he played a traditional ruler in Evil Men, acting alongside stars like Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo, and Liz Benson.

Directed by the late Chico Ejiro, this film opened doors for him in Nollywood and helped him gain a reputation as a character actor.

Over his 25-year career, Ikpechukwu became well-known for playing traditional rulers, elders, and other authoritative roles in Nollywood films.

Some of 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.

In Ìjé Love (2022), he played King Obumneme, and he also acted in The Living Deity, African Gods, Hunter’s Son, and Ijeuwa.

Besides acting, he was also an entertainer and master of ceremonies.

Ikpechukwu was active in the Actors Guild of Nigeria, serving as the first chairman of its Enugu State chapter. He organized seminars and encouraged young actors to explore the various career paths available in filmmaking beyond just acting.

In a July 2022 interview with The Punch, he shared his desire to help younger talents, stressing the need for patience, dedication, and professional growth.

He advised aspiring actors to take their time building their careers instead of rushing to become famous.

Ikpechukwu also contributed to sports, keeping close ties with the football community in Enugu. His death comes just weeks after another Nollywood veteran, Francis Duru, passed away.