Chisom Umejiaku
Veteran Nollywood actor Fabian Adibe has died at the age of 82. He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The news of his death was confirmed by Seun Oloketuyi, Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), who announced that the actor died peacefully around 2:30 a.m.
Adibe, who celebrated his 82nd birthday in February 2025, was one of the earliest figures in Nollywood and gained national recognition for his role as Ogbuefi Uzowulu in the Nigerian Television Authority’s 1987 screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart.
The production, which also featured Pete Edochie, Justus Esiri, and Sam Loco Efe, is often credited with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s film industry.
Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Adibe appeared in more than 300 productions, including films such as Slave Warrior (2012), White Kingdom 2 (2014), and Father’s (2014).
He also featured in international projects, notably Soweto, a drama centered on apartheid-era South Africa, and John Irvin’s Mr. Johnson, which brought him exposure beyond Nigeria.
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Before Nollywood gained prominence, Adibe had been part of the Odunke Artists in the 1970s, a cultural movement that blended literature, theatre, and visual arts, helping shape modern Nigerian storytelling.
His calm and fatherly on-screen persona made him a familiar face to audiences across generations.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans who described him as a pioneer and mentor whose legacy will continue to influence Nollywood.
Many noted that his performances gave depth to traditional African stories at a time when Nigerian cinema was still finding its voice.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.