Nollywood Actor Solomon Akiyesi Dies in His Sleep in Abuja

Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi passed away in his sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2026, in Abuja. He did not wake up.

The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, confirmed his death on Monday. “Yes, it is true. He died yesterday. Slept and did not wake up. We await further details from the family. His body is in the morgue in Abuja, where the sad incident happened,” Yakubu said, as reported by TheCable.

Akiyesi was born in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. He studied at the University of Ibadan and built a career as an actor, producer, and director spanning decades in the Nigerian film industry.

Career highlights

His film credits include Deadly Affair (1995), Olaedo the Fisher Girl 2 (2015), Gen Z Wife (2024), Kiss My Pain, and Heart of a Saint, among others. He also served on the Board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and was president of the National Association of Ososo Creatives.

The news spread quickly across the Nigerian entertainment community on Monday, with tributes pouring in from colleagues. Actress Celestina Dovigalle described him as “the soul of the set.”

His death comes months after two other Nollywood losses — Patrick Doyle and veteran soundtrack voice Onos Brisibi — casting a shadow over the industry in 2026.

Further details from his family are expected in the coming days.

Sources: Premium Times, TheTimes.com.ng, NewsCentral TV