LAGOS, Nigeria – Alexx Ekubo, one of Nollywood’s most recognisable film stars, has died at the age of 40 following a reported battle with cancer.
According to local media reports, the award-winning actor passed away on Monday night while receiving treatment at a hospital in Lagos.
His death has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from fellow actors, filmmakers and fans.
Ekubo rose to fame through roles in films such as Weekend Getaway and his appearance in Johnny by Yemi Alade in 2013. Over the years, he built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s leading actors, earning multiple awards for both his performances and humanitarian work.
Although his family and management had not released an official statement by Tuesday, members of the Nigerian entertainment industry openly expressed grief over his passing.
“Rest in Peace Alex,” fellow actress and producer Funke Akindele posted on social media.
The two had starred together in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto: The Saga. In an emotional tribute, Funke revealed she had tried reaching out to him before his death.
“I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best,” she wrote, adding: “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.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe also mourned the loss, describing the news as devastating.
“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 reportedly gave Ekubo his first acting role, described his death as “devastating and unbelievable.”
Born on April 10, 1986, in Rivers State, Nigeria, Ekubo made his acting debut in the 2005 production Sinners in the House before rising to mainstream fame after competing in the Mr Nigeria contest in 2010.
A law graduate from the University of Calabar, the actor went on to win several accolades, including Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013 for his performance in Weekend Getaway. His career later earned him multiple honours, including Best Actor of the Year and Best Lead Actor awards.
In 2018, Nigeria’s First Lady recognised him for his contribution to the entertainment industry, while in 2020 he was inducted into the UN’s Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40 list for his work in entertainment and social development.
The actor also received recognition for his humanitarian efforts, including the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as Global Social Giving Actor of the Year in 2021.
“Tonight is very special and dear to my heart because it’s coming at quite a time,” Ekubo said while receiving an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from a Benin institution in 2021.
In recent months, fans had grown concerned after the actor stepped away from social media, with his final post appearing in December 2024.
Ekubo also briefly made headlines in 2021 following the collapse of his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu just months before their planned wedding.
