Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha has announced the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, in an emotional tribute shared on Friday.

The actress disclosed the news in an Instagram post, saying she had struggled to find the right words to announce the loss of her father, whom she described as a deeply cherished part of her life.

According to Chukwuka-Akpotha, her father’s passing has left her without either parent, coming 13 years after the death of her mother.

“My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord,” she wrote, while reflecting on the pain of losing both parents.

She described her late father affectionately as “my daddy, papa’m, obara’m, my comfort”, recalling the special place he occupied in her life.

Despite the grief, the actress expressed gratitude that her father lived a long life and had the opportunity to see his children and grandchildren. She added that the family had hoped he would also live to meet his great-grandchildren.

Chukwuka-Akpotha also reflected on the difficulty of losing a parent, noting that regardless of how many years one gets to spend with a parent, there is always a desire for more time, conversations and embraces.

She said she had kept the news private for a while as she tried to process her grief before making the announcement publicly.

The actress subsequently appealed to fans, friends and well-wishers to remember her, her siblings and the entire Chukwuka family in their prayers.

Details of her father’s funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.