Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha
Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is mourning the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka. The award-winning star shared the sad news on Instagram on Friday, October 2, 2026, in a heartfelt tribute that has drawn sympathy from fans across Nigeria and beyond.
The loss comes 13 years after the actress buried her mother, and in her message she opened up about the pain of now living without both parents.
Chioma Chukwuka Breaks the News on Instagram
In her post, the actress wrote that her “beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord.”
According to reports from Nigerian outlets, she had kept the news to herself for a while as she worked through her grief, before finally sharing it with the public. She did not reveal the exact date or the cause of his death.
She described her late dad with deep affection, calling him “my daddy, papa’m, obara’m, my comfort.” In Igbo, “papa’m” means “my father,” while “obara’m” means “my blood,” showing how close the two were.
“I Have Neither Parent Here Anymore”
The most emotional part of the tribute was her reflection on losing both parents. “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,” she wrote.
She also spoke about a feeling many people who have lost a parent will understand. “No matter how many years we are given with a parent, we still want one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day,” she added.
Even in her sorrow, the actress found reasons to be grateful. She said she was thankful that her father lived long enough to see his children and grandchildren, though she was sad that he would not get to meet his great-grandchildren.
She signed off her tribute by calling him “Olowo of Ikate,” a warm and personal title for the man she clearly adored.
Family Asks for Prayers, Funeral Details to Follow
Chioma asked fans and well-wishers to keep her family in their prayers during this difficult time. She also said the family would share details of the funeral arrangements when they are ready.
Until then, no date or venue for the burial has been made public.
Quick facts
- Who: Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha
- Loss: Her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka
- Announced: Friday, October 2, 2026, on Instagram
- Cause and date of death: Not disclosed
- Earlier loss: Her mother died 13 years ago, in 2013
- Funeral: Details to be announced by the family
A Second Painful Loss After 13 Years
Chioma’s mother, Egoyibo Chukwuka, passed away in 2013. More than a decade later, the actress now faces the loss of her father as well.
Losing him means she has said goodbye to both of the people who raised her. Her words about wanting “one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day” capture a pain that many adults who have lost their parents know too well, which is why the tribute has struck a chord with readers.
Who Is Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha?
Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is one of the most respected actresses in Nollywood. Born in Lagos, she hails from Oraifite in Anambra State. She began her acting career in 2000 and quickly became a familiar face in Nigerian homes.
Her big breakthrough on the awards stage came in 2007, when she won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Sins of the Flesh.
Over the years, she has featured in hundreds of Nollywood films and has also worked as a producer. In recent years, she has appeared in big-budget streaming projects such as Gangs of Lagos and Seven Doors, introducing her to a new generation of viewers.
Away from the screen, she has been the face of several major brands in Nigeria. She is married to Franklyn Akpotha, and the couple have children together.
A Tough Season for Nollywood
Chioma’s loss adds to what has been an emotional period for the Nigerian movie industry. Just this week, actors and actresses gathered in Lagos to honour the late screen legend, as seen at the Olu Jacobs night of tributes, where RMD, Funke Akindele and Kate Henshaw led the farewell.
The industry has also previously mourned the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’, a reminder of how loss continues to touch Nollywood families.
Why Her Tribute Resonates
For more than two decades, Chioma has made audiences laugh and cry with the characters she plays on screen. This time, it is her own real-life story that is moving her followers.
Her post did not just announce a death. It celebrated a father who was her “comfort,” gave thanks for the years he lived to see his grandchildren, and openly admitted how hard it is to lose a parent at any age. That honesty is what has made the message stand out on social media today.
Final Words
Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha’s tribute to her father is a simple but powerful reminder that no amount of time with a parent ever feels like enough. Halmblog extends its condolences to the actress and the entire Chukwuka family as they mourn. We will update this story when the family announces funeral arrangements.
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