Solomon Akiyesi Biography: Age, Career & Death
Discover the life and legacy of veteran Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi — his career, notable movies, personal life, and sudden passing in April 2026.
Solomon Akiyesi was one of Nigeria’s most dependable character actors, a man whose face was instantly recognizable across Nollywood screens for nearly three decades. Born and raised in Ososo, Edo State, he carved out a formidable career as an actor, producer, and director, featuring in over 100 films before his untimely death.
His sudden passing on April 26, 2026, sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry. Colleagues, fans, and industry bodies mourned the loss of a man who had quietly shaped Nollywood’s golden era and continued contributing to the craft well into his later years.
Quick Facts About Solomon Akiyesi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Solomon Akiyesi |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| State of Origin | Ososo, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Career Start | Late 1990s |
| Films Featured In | 100+ |
| Education | University of Ibadan |
| Spouse | Uloma Agwu (second wife) |
| Famous For | Deadly Affair, Heart of a Saint, Pretty Liars |
| Date of Death | April 26, 2026 |
Early Life and Family
Solomon Akiyesi was born and raised in Ososo, a community in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up in this close-knit cultural setting, which would later influence his ability to portray deeply human characters on screen. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in the arts and performance.
He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown before making the journey to one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions. His roots in Ososo remained a significant part of his identity throughout his life, and he later served as President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives.
Education
After his secondary schooling, Solomon Akiyesi enrolled at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities. His time there helped shape his intellectual foundation and artistic sensibility. It is widely believed that his exposure to theatre and the arts during this period deepened his commitment to a career in film and performance.
Nollywood Career: Over Two Decades on Screen
Solomon Akiyesi entered the Nigerian film industry in the late 1990s, at a time when Nollywood was experiencing rapid growth and gaining continental recognition. He quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile character actor capable of handling both dramatic and supporting roles with conviction.
His first notable screen credit was in Deadly Affair (1995), a film that introduced him to wider audiences. Over the following two decades, he appeared in an impressive catalog of productions. His filmography includes Marry Who You Love (2016), Olaedo the Fisher Girl (2015), Gen Z Wife (2024), Kiss My Pain, Heart of a Saint, Pretty Liars, Desperate Ladies, Bridge of Contract, Joy of Nakasha, and The End Is Near, among many others.
Beyond acting, Akiyesi worked as a producer and director, demonstrating a well-rounded command of the filmmaking process. He was not simply a face in front of the camera — he understood storytelling from multiple angles. This multi-hyphenate career earned him lasting respect within the industry.
By the end of his career, he had featured in more than 100 productions, a testament to his work ethic, range, and staying power in a highly competitive industry. He also mentored younger talents and contributed actively to the institutional growth of Nigerian cinema.
Industry Contributions and Leadership
Solomon Akiyesi was not only a performer but also a committed servant of the acting profession in Nigeria. He served on the Board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), playing an active role in shaping policy and advocacy for Nigerian actors. His leadership within the guild reflected how seriously he took the welfare and professional standards of his peers.
Additionally, he served as President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives, using his platform to uplift and celebrate talent from his home community. This dual commitment — to the national industry and his local roots — defined much of his off-screen legacy.
Personal Life
Solomon Akiyesi’s personal life attracted significant public attention in April 2013, when his wedding to his second wife, Uloma Agwu, was dramatically disrupted. The ceremony, held at the Overcomers Church World Outreach in Surulere, Lagos, was interrupted by his first wife, Lilian Akiyesi, who arrived claiming they were still legally married.
Lilian, who was pregnant at the time, walked into the church during the service, accompanied by friends. The situation required the intervention of police officers to restore calm. Akiyesi later issued a public apology for the incident and the distress it caused all parties involved. Despite the controversy, he went on to build a life with Uloma, who confirmed his death to family members in April 2026.
Worth" loading="lazy" width="180" height="120">Death
On the night of Sunday, April 26, 2026, Solomon Akiyesi went to bed and never woke up. His wife alerted family members and close associates the following morning. The news was officially confirmed by Abubakar Yakubu, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, on Monday, April 27.
“Yes, it is true. He died yesterday. He slept and did not wake up. His body is in the morgue in Abuja, where the sad incident happened,” Yakubu stated. At the time of the announcement, the exact cause of death had not been released, and the family was yet to make a formal burial statement. Tributes poured in swiftly from colleagues, fans, and Nollywood figures across the country.
Legacy and Impact
Solomon Akiyesi leaves behind a career that spanned nearly 30 years, over 100 films, and a generation of filmmakers who learned from watching — and working with — him. He was a product of Nollywood’s golden era who never stopped showing up, never stopped contributing, and never stopped caring about the craft.
His passing marks the loss of a quiet but consistent pillar of Nigerian cinema. He was the kind of actor audiences trusted without always knowing his name — familiar, grounded, and real. That is perhaps the highest compliment a character actor can receive.
Wrapping Up
Solomon Akiyesi lived a life fully committed to storytelling. From his early days in Ososo to the halls of the University of Ibadan, and then onto the screens of millions of Nigerians, he followed his calling with discipline and grace. His body of work — over 100 films across nearly three decades — speaks for itself.
Worth" loading="lazy" width="180" height="120">He was more than an actor. He was a producer, a director, a community leader, and a mentor. Nollywood will feel his absence, but his performances will endure. As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Solomon Akiyesi lived a life worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was Solomon Akiyesi? Solomon Akiyesi was a veteran Nigerian actor, producer, and director from Ososo, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State. He had a career spanning nearly three decades and appeared in over 100 Nollywood films. He was also a board member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Q2: When did Solomon Akiyesi die? Solomon Akiyesi passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He died in his sleep in Abuja and did not wake up the following morning. His death was confirmed by the AGN President, Abubakar Yakubu, on April 27, 2026.
Q3: What movies is Solomon Akiyesi known for? He is best known for Deadly Affair (1995), Heart of a Saint, Pretty Liars, Marry Who You Love (2016), Gen Z Wife (2024), Desperate Ladies, and Bridge of Contract, among many others.
Q4: Where did Solomon Akiyesi go to school? He completed his early education in Ososo, Edo State, and later attended the University of Ibadan for his tertiary education.
Q5: Who was Solomon Akiyesi’s wife? His second wife was Uloma Agwu, whom he married after a controversial ceremony in 2013. His first wife, Lilian Akiyesi, had disrupted that wedding claiming they were still legally married.
Q6: What was the cause of Solomon Akiyesi’s death? The exact cause of death was not officially disclosed at the time of reporting. He reportedly went to sleep on the night of April 26, 2026, and did not wake up. His remains were deposited at a mortuary in Abuja pending further family announcements.
Q7: What role did Solomon Akiyesi play in the Actors Guild of Nigeria? Akiyesi served on the Board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and was a respected figure within the guild. He also served as President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives, championing talent from his home community in Edo State.
