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Veteran Nollywood actress, Oby Kechere, popularly known for her role as Madam Koi Koi in the 2002 comedy film Aki na Ukwa, has died.

The news of her death was made public on Saturday by the National President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Uche Agbo. She reportedly passed away after battling an illness for some time.

The statement read: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Madam Cecilia Oby Kechere, Vice Chairman of the DGN Abuja Chapter.

“We were informed yesterday that she passed on Monday, 27th April 2026, after a prolonged illness.

“Madam Cecilia was a graduate of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, a committed professional and a valued member of our guild. Her contributions to the growth and unity of the DGN, particularly within the Abuja Chapter, will never be forgotten.

“On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire DGN family, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all members of the Abuja Chapter in this difficult time.

“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Kechere who hailed from Mbaise in Imo State, held the position of Vice Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria Abuja Chapter. Members of the guild described her as a committed professional who contributed to the growth of the group and played an active role in the Abuja chapter.

She studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan before joining Nollywood in 2001. She became known in the industry through early appearances in films such as the August Meeting series and later gained wider recognition for her comic role in Aki na Ukwa.

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Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died.

His death was confirmed on Monday by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu.

Yakubu said the actor passed away in his sleep on Sunday, adding that his remains have been deposited in a morgue in Abuja.

“Yes, it is true. He died yesterday. Slept and did not wake up from sleep. We await further details from the family. His body is in the morgue in Abuja, where the sad incident happened,” he said.

According to him, the guild is still expecting more information from the deceased’s family regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Akiyesi, who hailed from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, began his Nollywood career in the late 1990s and went on to feature in over 100 films.

He was known for roles in movies such as Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, Pretty Liars, The End Is Near, and Desperate Ladies.

Akiyesi was born and raised in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State.

He had his primary and secondary education in his hometown before enrolling at the University of Ibadan for his tertiary education.

An actor, producer, and director, Akiyesi starred in several significant films, including ‘Deadly Affair’ (1995), ‘Olaedo the Fisher Girl’ 2 (2015), ‘Gen Z Wife (2024), ‘Kiss My Pain’, ‘Heart of a Saint’, and others.

He served on the Board of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and was the President of the National Association of Ososo Creatives.

In April 2013, the actor’s wedding to his second wife, Uloma Agwu, was disrupted when his wife from his first marriage stormed the Overcomers Church World Outreach in Surulere, Lagos, claiming they were still legally married.

The actor’s first wife, Lilian, pregnant and accompanied by friends, walked into the marriage ceremony immediately after the praise and worship session, as the minister was about to begin officiating.

It took the efforts of police officers to restore order within the church’s premises.

The late actor later apologised for the disruption to the wedding.

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Nigerian reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija winner, Phyna, has responded strongly to the backlash surrounding her decision not to have children.

Phyna had earlier sparked conversations online after stating that she would rather raise pets than become a biological mother, a comment that quickly drew criticism from social media users who questioned her stance.

Reacting to the wave of insults, the actress and influencer described the judgment as unfair and accused many Nigerians of holding outdated beliefs about womanhood and motherhood.

She expressed frustration over how people rushed to label her a failure simply because she chose not to have children, insisting that her decision is personal and rooted in her life experiences.

According to her, her childhood played a major role in shaping how she views parenting, revealing that she is afraid of becoming the kind of parent she had while growing up.

Phyna explained that the fear of repeating painful patterns from her upbringing has made her unwilling to bring a child into the world unless she feels emotionally ready for that responsibility.

She said she would rather remain child-free than risk becoming a parent she herself would not have wanted.

“Dumb country people, so me not wanting a child is what makes me a failure and resulting to all this insults na… y’all brains is still stuck in the 60’s era,” she wrote.

She added that many critics fail to understand the emotional reasons behind such decisions and simply judge based on societal expectations.

“Me wey dem born how them take care of me. I don’t want to bring a child in. I’m scared of becoming a parent like the one I had… and that’s on period,” she stated.

Her comments have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some people supporting her honesty and right to make personal life choices, while others insisted that motherhood remains an important part of womanhood.

The debate continues to generate strong opinions, especially around issues of parenting, trauma, and the pressure society places on women regarding marriage and childbirth.