Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha has announced the death of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka.
The actress shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post on Friday, revealing that the loss has been particularly painful after the death of her mother 13 years ago.
“My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord,” she wrote.
“I lost my mother 13 years ago and now that my father is gone, the thought that I have neither parent here anymore breaks my heart in a way I cannot fully explain. So na only me bayi?”
Chioma described her late father affectionately as “my daddy, papa’m, obara’m, my comfort” and thanked God for allowing him to live long enough to see his children and grandchildren.
“I am so thankful you lived a long life, and I am grateful to God you saw your children and grandchildren. We had hoped you would meet your great-grandchildren too, mana nya diba!” she said.
Reflecting on the pain of losing a parent, regardless of their age, the actress said people always wish for more time with their loved ones.
“No matter how many years we are given with a parent, we still want one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day,” she wrote.
She also expressed gratitude for the memories she shared with her father, particularly during the final stage of his life.
Chioma explained that she delayed making the announcement because she needed time to process her grief.
“I have held this news close while trying to understand my own grief,” she said.
She appealed to her fans, friends and well-wishers to pray for her, her siblings and the entire Chukwuka family.
The actress added that details of her father’s funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due time.