Solomon Akiyesi Biography
Solomon Akiyesi was a Nigerian actor, producer, and director born in Ososo, a community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He built a long career in Nollywood that spanned more than three decades and earned him recognition for his versatility and professional approach to roles across different genres.
Akiyesi stood out in the industry for his ability to deliver natural performances whether playing romantic leads, authoritative figures, or complex supporting characters. His work reflected dedication to storytelling that resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond. Through consistent appearances in films and his later efforts as a producer and director, he contributed to the growth of Nollywood during its expansion in the 1990s and 2000s.
Solomon Akiyesi Early Life
Solomon Akiyesi was born and raised in Ososo community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. His exact date of birth is not publicly documented in available records, though some personal posts and birthday acknowledgments from colleagues and fans have referenced celebrations around late July in various years. He grew up in a large family as the tenth of twelve children. This environment shaped his early experiences in a close-knit community known for its cultural richness. He completed both primary and secondary education in Ososo, earning his first school leaving certificate and West African School Certificate there. After secondary school, he pursued higher education at the University of Ibadan, where he studied Theatre Arts. The training provided a strong foundation in performance skills, voice projection, and stage presence that later defined his screen work. Life in Ososo instilled values of discipline and community that remained evident in his professional conduct throughout his career.
Solomon Akiyesi Career
Solomon Akiyesi entered the Nigerian film industry in the mid-1990s during a period when Nollywood was gaining momentum with video films that reached wide audiences. His debut came with the 1995 movie Deadly Affair, which introduced him to viewers and marked the beginning of a steady stream of roles. Over the years, he featured in more than eighty films, earning a reputation as a reliable and skilled performer. Colleagues and fans often described him as soft-spoken yet highly expressive, with a distinctive ability to convey humor or tension through subtle facial expressions and eye movements.
He took on diverse characters in action, romance, epic, and drama productions. His presence added depth to ensemble casts, and he shared the screen with many leading actors of the era including Queen Nwokoye, Yul Edochie, Chacha Eke, Ken Erics, Sylvester Madu, and Angela Okorie. Beyond acting, Akiyesi expanded into production and directing. He founded Actitude Media and served as CEO of Solomon Akiyesi Intervention Commission, initiatives that supported creative projects and talent development. He also held leadership positions such as President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives and served on the board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. These roles allowed him to mentor younger artists and advocate for better standards in the industry.
In addition to film work, Akiyesi engaged in brand ambassadorship and public relations activities. His entrepreneurial side complemented his artistic pursuits and helped sustain a multifaceted career. He remained active into the 2020s, appearing in newer titles that reflected evolving Nollywood themes.
Notable movies featured include:
- Deadly Affair (1995)
- Olaedo the Fisher Girl 2 (2015)
- Gen Z Wife (2024)
- Pretty Liars
- Marry Who You Love
- Kiss My Pain
- Heart of a Saint
- Desperate Ladies
- Bridge of Contract
- Joy of Nakasha
- Princess Nakasha
- Jungle Justice
- Deadly Proposal
- Dumebi the Dirty Girl
- Show Down
- The End Is Near
These projects showcased his range and helped cement his place among veteran actors who bridged early video film eras with contemporary digital releases.
Solomon Akiyesi Personal Life
Solomon Akiyesi experienced a complex and often public personal life marked by several marriages. He married his first wife, Ezinne, but the union ended around 2000. Subsequent relationships drew significant media attention. In April 2013, a planned wedding to Uloma Agwu in Lagos turned into a major scandal when his then-wife Lilian Akiyesi, who was eight months pregnant at the time, arrived at the venue with family members and disrupted the ceremony. The event took place at Overcomers Church World Outreach in Surulere, and reports indicated that church officials eventually cancelled the proceedings. Akiyesi later issued a public apology for the disruption.
Over time, he entered further marriages, with reports describing him as having reached a fourth union. His last known wife was Pretty Owabie Doris. The repeated marital challenges earned him the nickname “serial husband” in some Nigerian media outlets. Despite the controversies, Akiyesi maintained a private side focused on family and community ties back in Ososo. He kept a relatively low profile on personal matters outside of the publicized incidents and continued to work professionally without letting private issues derail his output. He was known among peers as articulate and principled in his interactions within the creative community.
Solomon Akiyesi Recent News
On April 26, 2026, Solomon Akiyesi passed away in his sleep while in Abuja. The news was confirmed the following day by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, who stated that the actor had gone to bed and did not wake up. His remains were placed in a mortuary in Abuja pending further arrangements by the family. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the Nollywood community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, guild leaders including past president Dr. Emeka Rollas-Ejezie, and fans who recalled his long-standing contributions. His wife Pretty Owabie Doris also confirmed the passing. As of April 27, 2026, details about funeral arrangements were still forthcoming from the family.
Conclusion
Solomon Akiyesi leaves behind a substantial body of work that reflects the evolution of Nollywood from its grassroots video era to a more structured industry. From his early breakthrough in Deadly Affair to later appearances in Gen Z Wife, he demonstrated consistency and adaptability. His additional roles as producer, director, and association leader extended his influence beyond the screen. While his personal life attracted public scrutiny, his professional legacy centers on dedication to craft and support for emerging talents. He will be remembered as a veteran whose performances entertained millions and whose community efforts highlighted the cultural pride of Ososo and Edo State. His passing marks the end of an era for one of Nollywood’s dependable figures, but the films he helped create continue to reach new viewers.
FAQs
Who was Solomon Akiyesi?
Solomon Akiyesi was a Nigerian actor, producer, and director known for his extensive work in Nollywood spanning over three decades. He was born in Ososo, Edo State, and featured in more than eighty films.
Where was Solomon Akiyesi born?
He was born and raised in Ososo community within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.
What movies is Solomon Akiyesi known for?
He is best remembered for roles in Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo the Fisher Girl 2, Pretty Liars, Kiss My Pain, Heart of a Saint, and many others across action, romance, and drama genres.
Was Solomon Akiyesi married?
Yes, Solomon Akiyesi had multiple marriages. His first wife was Ezinne, followed by Lilian and others, with his final known wife being Pretty Owabie Doris. His marital history included public controversies.
When did Solomon Akiyesi die?
He passed away on April 26, 2026, in his sleep in Abuja, Nigeria. The news was confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria on April 27, 2026.
Did Solomon Akiyesi attend university?
Yes, he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan after completing secondary education in Ososo. The training supported his acting career.
