The Nigerian film industry has lost veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, whose journey to Nollywood included football, broadcasting and a career in the corporate world. He died on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) confirmed his death on Friday, November 6. Its national president, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, paid tribute to the actor, describing him as another legend who had bowed out.
Although many Nigerians remember Ikpechukwu for his portrayal of traditional rulers in Nollywood films, his life and career extended beyond the movie industry.
Here are five things to know about the late actor.
1. He was a footballer before becoming an actor
Before finding his place in Nollywood, Ikpechukwu had a promising football career.
He played as a right winger in the 1970s and received an invitation to the Green Eagles camp, Nigeria’s former senior national football team.
He also played for teams including Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks.
While studying at Kaduna State Polytechnic, he captained the institution’s football team and became involved in sports broadcasting.
In an interview with The Punch in 2022, he recalled his involvement in football and his experience providing commentary for radio stations.
2. He studied Marketing and worked at NITEL
Ikpechukwu attended Comprehensive High School in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, before proceeding to Kaduna State Polytechnic.
He obtained a Higher National Diploma in Marketing and later completed a postgraduate diploma in the same discipline at Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
He also served at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, during his National Youth Service Corps programme.
Before joining the entertainment industry fully, he worked at the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).
He eventually rose to the position of Senior Manager, Marketing, before retiring from the organisation.
3. His first major film role came in 1998
Ikpechukwu’s journey into acting began with his involvement in television production.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Enugu, invited him to participate in the television soap opera Second Chance, which featured veteran comedian Chief Zebrudaya.
However, his first feature film appearance came in 1998 when he featured in Evil Men.
He played a traditional ruler in the production, which also featured established actors such as Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo and Liz Benson.
He told The Punch that the opportunity opened doors for him in the movie industry.
4. He featured in several Nollywood productions
During his career, which spanned more than 25 years, Ikpechukwu appeared in numerous Nigerian films.
Some of his productions include August Meeting, Antichrist, Royal Palace, The Guilty, Across the River and Python King.
His later credits also include Omera, A Dance to Forget, Emecheta, Nwando and Ìjé Love.
He became particularly recognisable for playing kings, traditional rulers and influential elderly characters.
His performances helped establish him as a familiar face in Nollywood’s traditional and cultural-themed productions.
5. He was a pioneer chairman of AGN Enugu
Beyond his acting career, Ikpechukwu played an active role in the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
He served as the pioneer chairman of the guild’s Enugu State chapter.
During his time in the position, he organised seminars to educate upcoming actors about opportunities beyond appearing in front of the camera.
He encouraged young people to consider other areas of filmmaking, including production, costume design, makeup, props and set management.
In his 2022 interview, he also criticised the desperation among some aspiring actors to become famous without first developing their craft.
His death marks another loss for Nollywood, particularly among the generation of performers who helped establish the industry.