Nollywood Mourns Actor Alex Ekubo

The Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular actor, Alex Ekubo.

Abia Radio News reports that Ekubo died on Monday night at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos, after battling liver cancer. He was 40.

Former Big Brother Naija star and Director of Communication of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Boma Akpore, confirmed the death to Vanguard on Tuesday, saying the actor’s body had been moved to Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi.

A colleague, Godwin Nnadiekwe, also mourned the actor in an Instagram post.

He wrote, “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 gave Ekubo his first movie role, described the death as “devastating and unbelievable.”

“That was how I gave him his first movie role that ushered him into Nollywood,” Imasuen recalled.

Following the news, tributes poured in from colleagues, celebrities and fans.

Funke Akindele recalled their bond and the nickname “Ore mi,” which Ekubo fondly called her.

Other celebrities, including Bolanle Ninalowo, Peter Okoye, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Mo Abudu, Kate Henshaw, Yvonne Jegede, Kunle Remi and Ruth Kadiri, also mourned the late actor.

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, described Ekubo as a “rare talent,” while broadcaster Oseni Rufai wrote, “Rest well Alex.”

About Ekubo

Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State.

Known for his charisma and strong screen presence, he became one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces over the past decade.

In 2020, the United Nations named him one of the “Most Influential People of African Descent under 40” for his contributions to entertainment and social development.