Chioma Akpotha Orphaned: Nollywood Star Mourns Beloved Father

Nollywood veteran Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is grieving the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, popularly known as the Olowo of Ikate.

The award-winning actress broke the news in a deeply emotional Instagram tribute on Friday, October 2, revealing that her father had “gone to be with the Lord.” He passed away in September 2026. The announcement comes 13 years after the death of her mother, Grace Egoyibo Chukwuka, who died on May 22, 2013, leaving the star without either parent.

“My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord,” she wrote. “I lost my mother 13 years ago and now that my father is gone, the thought that I have neither parent here anymore breaks my heart in a way I cannot fully explain. So na only me bayi?”

Chioma described her late father in affectionate terms as “my daddy, papa’m, obara’m, my comfort,” and a precious part of her life. She expressed gratitude that he lived a long life and was able to see his children and grandchildren, though the family had hoped he would also meet his great-grandchildren.

“I am so thankful you lived a long life, and I am grateful to God you saw your children and grandchildren. We had hoped you would meet your great-grandchildren too, mana nya diba!” she said. Reflecting on the universal pain of loss, she added: “No matter how many years we are given with a parent, we still want one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day.”

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The actress admitted she had held the news private while processing her grief before sharing it publicly. She appealed for prayers for herself, her siblings, and the entire Chukwuka family, noting that funeral arrangements would be announced when the family is ready. Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, a native of Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, is expected to be buried in his hometown.

She closed her tribute with a final farewell: “Rest well, Olowo of Ikate, my father. I will always love you,” drawing comfort from biblical verses including Proverbs 17:6 and Psalm 34:18.

Colleagues, fans, and well-wishers have since flooded her page with messages of condolence as the Chukwuka family mourns their patriarch.

Funeral details remain pending.