Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha is mourning the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka.
The actress announced the death on Friday, October 2, 2026, in an emotional tribute shared on her social media platforms.
Chioma said she struggled to find the right words to announce the loss, describing her late father as a beloved parent, source of comfort and a precious part of her life.
“My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord,” she said.
The actress, who lost her mother, Grace Egoyibo Chukwuka, 13 years ago, said her father’s death has left her without either parent.
She expressed the pain of losing both parents, saying the thought that neither of them is still alive “breaks my heart in a way I cannot fully explain.”
Chioma fondly described her father as her “daddy,” “papa’m,” “obara’m” and “comfort,” while expressing gratitude that he lived a long life and witnessed his children and grandchildren.
She also reflected on the final moments she shared with him, saying that regardless of how many years people have with their parents, there is always a desire for “one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day.”
The actress said she had kept the news private while trying to process her grief before deciding to announce it publicly.
She appealed to fans, friends and well-wishers to keep her, her siblings and the entire Chukwuka family in their prayers.
Chioma added that details of her father’s funeral would be announced when the family was ready.
The late Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka was the father of the award-winning actress, who has remained one of Nollywood’s prominent performers since beginning her professional acting career in the early 2000s.
Chioma ended her tribute by describing her father as the “Olowo of Ikate” and bidding him farewell.
The actress’s announcement has since attracted messages of condolence from fans and colleagues mourning the loss with her.
