National News – Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died in Abuja after reportedly passing away in his sleep on Sunday, April 26, 2026, a development confirmed on Monday by Actors Guild of Nigeria president Abubakar Yakubu, who said the veteran filmmaker was discovered unresponsive and later taken to a morgue in the capital.

The death, which came without prior public disclosure of illness, has drawn widespread attention across Nigeria’s film industry as colleagues mourn a performer known for his extensive body of work spanning more than 100 films.

Yakubu added that the guild is awaiting further clarification from the family as the exact circumstances remain unclear, while tributes continue to emerge for a figure regarded as part of Nollywood’s formative generation.

Akiyesi, who began his career in the late 1990s, built a reputation for versatile roles in popular titles such as Marry Who You Love, Deadly Affair, and Heart of a Saint, helping shape mainstream Nollywood storytelling.

His passing has reignited conversations within the industry about welfare, health monitoring, and the often-unseen struggles of veteran actors who contributed to Nollywood’s rise.

Observers note that the industry still grapples with limited structured support systems for aging creatives, prompting renewed calls for stronger guild-based protection and health insurance frameworks.

On social media, tributes poured in from colleagues, producers, and fans who described him as humble, hardworking, and consistent in his craft.

Many Nigerians expressed shock at the sudden nature of his death, while others reflected on the growing list of Nollywood veterans lost in recent years.

The news has also sparked broader public reflection on the pressures faced by entertainers working demanding schedules without consistent medical oversight.

His death marks another emotional moment for Nollywood, underscoring both the legacy of its pioneers and the urgent need for improved welfare structures.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family, while the Actors Guild continues consultations as the industry mourns one of its enduring contributors.