Nollywood Actress Nkechi Nweje Dies After Brief Illness

Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje has passed away at 60 after a brief illness, leaving the movie industry in mourning.

Her death was confirmed on Saturday by movie producer Stanley Ajemba, known as Stanley Ontop, via his Instagram page.

Expressing shock and disbelief, Stanley admitted he couldn’t bring himself to post about her passing earlier, as it felt like a “dream.”

He also paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Nweje as a vibrant actress, his “best friend and mentor.”

He reminisced about their last conversation during the “Queenth saga,” where she advised him to stop. Concluding his post, he expressed his disbelief, saying, “I am still speechless.”

He wrote:

“Nollywood is in tears as we lost one of our vibrant actresses, @nkechi.nweje, after a brief illness. I couldn’t post since morning because it felt like a dream to me.

“Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha, rest in peace, ma’am. My best friend, she always called me to give advice. The last time we spoke was during the Queenth saga, and she told me, ‘Ontop, stop.’ I am still speechless.”

After his initial post announcing the sad news, Stanley shared another update on his Instagram page, detailing Nkechi Nweje’s family background, career, and the illness she battled before her passing.

He wrote:

“Nkechi Winnie Angel Nweje, from Onicha Ado in Onitsha, Anambra State. A devoted Christian and mother of six, born on June 6, 1964. Married to Dr. Azubuike Nweje. The movie that brought her fame was ‘Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha.’

Nkechi Nweje came from a wealthy and culturally rich family in Onicha Ado. She was also a graduate. She passed away at 60.”

According to family sources, she died from complications resulting from the surgery she had last year, November 2024. She had a major operation in her Stomach last year, but was healing perfectly well until yesterday, she couldn’t bear the pains again, and she gave up the ghost

She was survived by her children and husband

Keep resting with the lord, Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha

This one pain me

In mourning the late actress, Nollywood actor, Asa Ikuku, took to his Instagram handle to pay tribute to Nweje.

He wrote, “Rest in peace, mummy Nkwechi Nweje TV(Nwanyi Onisha). You are indeed a blessing to us. But God knows the best. We will miss u so much, great Nollywood actress. Rest on legend.”

Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, shared a candlelight with a dark background via her Instagram on Friday with the caption, “This world is really not our home.”

NAN/Oluchi