The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into grief following reports of the death of popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo.
According to reports, the actor allegedly died on Monday night at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, after battling liver cancer. He was 40 years old.
The news was reportedly confirmed on Tuesday by former Big Brother Naija star and Actors Guild of Nigeria communications director, Boma Akpore, who disclosed that Ekubo’s remains had been moved to Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, celebrities, and fans across the entertainment industry.
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe expressed his grief in an emotional Instagram post, writing:
“I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo.”
Veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who reportedly gave Ekubo his first movie role, described the loss as “devastating and unbelievable.”
“That was how I gave him his first movie role that ushered him into Nollywood,” he recalled.
Several top entertainers, including Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, Peter Okoye, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Mo Abudu, Kate Henshaw, and Ruth Kadiri, also shared heartfelt tributes.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the actor as a “rare talent,” while broadcaster Oseni Rufai wrote, “Rest well Alex.”
Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. Known for his charisma, style, and commanding screen presence, he rose to become one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors over the past decade.
In 2020, he was named among the “Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40” by the United Nations in recognition of his contributions to entertainment and social development.
