Nollywood is mourning the loss of veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, who passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, November 5, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Family sources confirmed the news, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National President Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu paid tribute the following day, describing him as another legend who had bowed out.
“Another Legend bows out!! RIP Diewit Ikpechukwu, your memories will forever remain in our hearts”, Yakubu wrote.
Hours after the announcement, his daughter Chiamaka Yusuf, popularly known as Chiamax, shared an emotional video pleading for privacy. Still wearing the shirt her father had on the day before his death, she tearfully called on the Actors Guild of Nigeria to take down any posts or posters about him.
“Actors Guild, I don’t want you guys to post my daddy. Nobody should post my daddy’s poster. You people should leave me alone. Nobody should call me. I’m still wearing my daddy’s shirt; he wore it yesterday,” she said.
She continued:
“You people should please take it down. If anybody should announce his passing, it would be me. Nobody would do that for me, please.”
Chiamaka also questioned why the industry often waits until members die before showing public support, asking people to respect her family’s need for space during this difficult time.
Born on August 23, 1955, Ikpechukwu built a career that spanned more than 25 years in Nollywood after first making his mark as a footballer. He played as a right winger in the 1970s for teams including Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks and received an invitation to the Green Eagles camp. He later worked in corporate roles and owned a communications company while serving as pioneer chairman of the AGN Enugu State chapter and patron of a local veterans’ football club.
His acting breakthrough came in 1998 with the film Evil Men, where he portrayed a traditional ruler alongside established stars. He became known for dignified elder and king roles in productions such as Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King (2007), August Meeting, and the more recent Ìjé Love (2022). Colleagues and fans remembered him as a mentor who urged upcoming actors to approach their craft with dedication and avoid exploitation.
As tributes continue, his daughter’s raw appeal has shifted focus toward giving the family room to mourn privately. Details about the specific nature of his illness and funeral arrangements have not been publicly disclosed. Fans and industry members continue to share memories of the veteran who brought authority to so many classic Nollywood stories.