Veteran Nollywood actor, Fabian Adibe, best known for his memorable role in the classic TV adaptation of Things Fall Apart, has passed away.
Adibe, who marked his 80th birthday in February 2025, died peacefully around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, his family confirmed.
The legendary actor won admiration for his powerful portrayal of Ogbuefi Uzowulu in the acclaimed 1987 TV series Things Fall Apart, where he starred alongside Pete Edochie. Other Nollywood greats from the production, including Justus Esiri and Sam Loco Efe, have also passed on.
Adibe’s career extended beyond Nollywood. He was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the maiden Commonwealth Arts Festival in 1965 and later featured in international productions such as Soweto and the Hollywood film Mr. Johnson.
Within Nollywood, he appeared in over 300 movies, including Slave Warrior (2012), White Kingdom 2 (2014), and Father’s (2014).
Before bowing out of the industry, Adibe had voiced his discontent with what he described as Nollywood’s “packaging” culture, explaining in an interview with journalist Chinelo Okafor that he rejected unfair contracts which expected actors to work without pay.
Outside acting, Adibe worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) until his retrenchment in 1984.
His passing has drawn tributes from fans and colleagues alike, who remember him for his calm demeanour, versatility, and the indelible mark he left on Nigerian cinema.
