The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of veteran actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) confirmed the passing on Monday through its president, Abubakar Yakubu, who disclosed the development in a statement to The Cable Lifestyle.
According to Yakubu, Akiyesi died in his sleep and did not wake up.
“He died yesterday. He slept and did not wake up. His body is currently in the morgue in Abuja where the incident happened,” he said.
The guild added that it is awaiting further information from the late actor’s family regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Akiyesi, who hailed from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, began his acting career in the late 1990s and went on to become a familiar face in Nollywood.
Over the course of his career, he featured in more than 100 films, earning recognition for roles in titles such as Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, Pretty Liars, The End Is Near, and Desperate Ladies.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues, fans, and well-wishers across social media, as the industry reflects on his contributions to Nigerian cinema.