The Nigerian entertainment industry has been plunged into grief following the reported death of veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye, widely known by fans as Energy.
News of his passing emerged on the morning of Thursday, May 28, 2026, sending shockwaves through both the film fraternity and academic community.
According to reports, Okoye, who also served as a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, died in the early hours of the day.
The first indication of the tragic development came through a post on the actor’s official Instagram page at about 11 a.m. The post featured a photograph of the late actor accompanied by the brief message: “Rest in peace, legend.”
The announcement quickly attracted an outpouring of reactions, with fans, colleagues and well-wishers expressing disbelief and sorrow in the comments section.
Further confirmation reportedly came through a statement shared on Facebook and signed by Dr Nkemakonam Aniukwu, Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The department described Okoye as a dedicated educator, accomplished actor and inspiring personality whose contributions extended beyond the classroom and movie set.
According to the statement, his death has created a significant void among staff, students and members of the wider creative arts community who benefited from his knowledge and mentorship.
The university community also extended its condolences and prayers to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult period.
Throughout his career, Patrick Okoye earned recognition for his outstanding performances in Nollywood productions, winning the admiration of audiences across Nigeria and beyond. Alongside his acting career, he remained committed to nurturing future talents through his teaching role in theatre and film studies.
Many of his students reportedly regarded him as a mentor and role model, praising his accessibility, passion and dedication to developing young creatives.
His passing comes just weeks after reports of the death of fellow Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, adding to a series of losses that have saddened the Nigerian film industry.
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