Death of Nigerian Actor Alex Ekubo
Nigerian film star Alex Ekubo has passed away, reportedly following a prolonged battle with cancer. The award-winning actor died on Monday night while admitted to a hospital in Lagos, according to local media reports. He was 40 years old.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Ekubo was widely recognized for his roles in the film Weekend Getaway and the 2013 music video "Johnny" by Yemi Alade. Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry as well as his humanitarian efforts.
Reactions and Tributes
Although his family and management have yet to release an official statement, a representative of the Nigerian Guild of Editors expressed to the BBC that Ekubo's death has left the association in shock. Tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues within Nigeria's film industry, Nollywood.
"Rest in Peace Alex," fellow actor and producer Funke Akindele wrote on social media.
The two had worked together in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto - The Saga.
"I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best," she added. "You kept telling me you are fine."
"May your kind soul rest in peace Alex. Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together."
Godwin Nnadiekwe, a colleague and friend of Ekubo, described the news as heartbreaking.
"Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I'm lost for words, because this wasn't the plan," he wrote on Instagram.
Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first film role, called his passing "devastating and unbelievable," according to Nigeria's Vanguard news site.
Health and Social Media
Ekubo had withdrawn from social media, with his last post dating back to December 2024. This absence had raised concerns about his health among his fans.
Early Life and Awards
Born on 10 April 1986 in Rivers State, Nigeria, Ekubo received multiple accolades throughout his career. He won nine awards, including Best of Nollywood's Best Actor of the Year in 2016 and Best Lead Actor in 2022.
In 2018, Nigeria's First Lady presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the development of the country's entertainment industry.
In 2020, Ekubo was inducted into the United Nations' Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40, recognizing his efforts in entertainment and social development.
The following year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin.
"Tonight is very special and dear to my heart because it's coming at quite a time," he said at the time.
Humanitarian Work and Recognition
Ekubo's humanitarian contributions were also acknowledged. In 2021, he received the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year for his charity work, according to his official website.
He was also honored with a Certificate of Excellence from the Sapio Club, a Nigerian community focused on proposing solutions to social and national issues, for his humanitarian efforts.
Personal Life
In 2021, Ekubo experienced a brief controversy when his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu ended approximately three months before their planned wedding.
Additional reporting by Adebola Ajayi.
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