Filmmaker Stanley Nwoko, also known as Stanley Ontop, broke the news on his Instagram page. He said the actress died on Sunday, 16 June.

Stanley Ontop said the actress, known for her motherly roles in movies, died after battling leg cancer.

Confirming the news, he wrote: “Nollywood actress and veteran Mrs Stella Ikwuegbu is dead. The veteran actress left this world today after battling with leg cancer. Rest well, Madam Stella. Nollywood again. It’s well.”

The late actress made her acting debut in 1990 and starred in several movies, including ‘Spoiler’, ‘Ukwa’, ‘Sound of Love’, ‘Holy Man’, ‘Two Hearts’, ‘Heart of Stone’, ‘Madam Koikoi’, among others.

The Enugu-born actress was also a businesswoman.

A graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State, she opened her restaurant, ‘The Film Bar’, on 1 August.

The actress is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Stella Ikwuegbu’s death comes barely five days after veteran Yoruba actor Dayo Adewunmi, aka Sule Suebebe, died at 68.