By Akinwale Kasali
Diewait Ikpechukwu, Veteran Nollywood Actor has joined the list of Theatre Practitioners in the Make Believe Industry that have passed on this year.
The thespian, it was gathered died in the early hours of Friday from an undisclosed ailment.
Sadly, Ikpechukwu passed about a week after two Actors, Francis Duru and Steven Echendu also bid the world farewell.
Ikpechukwu had acted in over 100 movies, and was known for his good interpretation of roles.
Following his demise, the Management of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu issued a statement to celebrate his life and also express their deepest condolences.
In the statement, the Club stated that it is with deep sense of sorrow and submission to the will of God that they announce the transition of Ikpechukwu, who was their beloved Patron.
The statement further stated that the Nollywood Icon was not just a supporter of the club; but a foundational pillar, a passionate sportsman, and a true father figure to the entire football and entertainment community in Enugu.
The statement stressed further that long before he became a household name on television screens across Africa, Ikpechukwu’s first true love was football.
“In his youth, he was a lethal and exceptionally talented right-winger on the pitch. His remarkable skills, blistering pace, and football intelligence did not go unnoticed.
“But he chose a different path in life: acting, even as his professional life took him through a successful corporate career as a business office manager at NITEL, his heart never left the pitch.
“He remained deeply connected to the beautiful game and was incredibly close to generations of footballers, from veteran ex-internationals to rising local talents.
“As a Patron of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, he was a constant, warm presence (he was supposed to grace Veterans All Stars training session sponsored by Chief Donald Igwebuike on the Saturday 10th of October 2026, but became ill a day before)—offering wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support to veterans’ football in Enugu State”.
Following Ikpechukwu’s retirement from corporate service, he channeled his immense presence and charisma into the creative arts, embarking on a prolific acting career that spanned over two decades.
With over 200 Nollywood movies to his credit, he became a master storyteller, renowned for portraying dignified elders, traditional rulers, and complex characters with unmatched gravitas.
Despite his massive fame as a cinematic giant, he chose to remain close to his roots, living in Enugu and serving as a pillar of the local Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) chapter, bridging the worlds of sports and arts in the Coal City.
Paying tributes to the late Thespian, the Association said it has lost a rare gem.
It was gathered that Ikpechukwu bridged the worlds of sports and arts with unparalleled grace, humility, and dedication.
People close to him said his laughter, his wise counsel on the sidelines, and his immense love for Veterans All Stars Enugu will be sorely missed.
The Management further extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, his colleagues in the entertainment industry, and the entire football fraternity.
Funeral arrangements is expected to be communicated in due course by the family.
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