The Nigerian entertainment industry has been plunged into a state of grief following the news of the death of actor Alex Ekubo, fondly called “Ikuku.”
As news of his death spread, a wave of tributes took over social media on Tuesday, especially Instagram and X, with colleagues describing him as a man of kindness and grace.
Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, who described the late actor as her “bestie,” wrote on Instagram, ” I’m so upset! Who will help me fight death? This is too much! How are we supposed to move on? How do we say goodbye? I’m devastated. My bestie! Why? We had a plan! Where do I start from?”
Media entrepreneur and the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, in her tribute, recalled Alex calling her “Mum” and expressed her deep regret over a final message that went unreturned.
“We hadn’t spoken in a while. I remember you travelled last year and replied when you got back. I sent another message after that, and when you didn’t respond, I didn’t follow up. I never imagined there wouldn’t be another chance. Dear Alex, you will be so deeply missed. You were such a beautiful human being, loving, real, kind, and always so respectful every single time we worked together,” she wrote.
Actress Kate Henshaw similarly recalled how Ekubo “showed up” for her during her mother’s passing two years ago.
“We chatted when I noticed your absence on SM, and you said you were fine. I wanted a chance to repay you for your kindness at that time, but not like this, Alex. I pray God accepts your soul and comforts your loved ones left behind. Goodbye, rest in the bosom of God Almighty from whom you came,” she wrote.
Other colleagues noted in their tribute the actor’s tendency to reassure his friends of his well-being.
Actress Yvonne Jegede wrote on Instagram, “I can’t process this. I checked on him, and he kept saying he was fine. It’s so sad. Are you telling me I will never see Ikuku again? So I won’t hear him scream CHOCO with a big smile again? This is unimaginable. My spirit is broken. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a friend. You were a wonderful person. Rest Well, Champ Alex “Ikuku” Ekubo.”
Actor Kunle Remi similarly wrote, “Ikuku The Breeze. This really hurts, bro! I checked on you…I still spoke about you yesterday… A good man. God is taking care of you. Bask in His peace.”
“I made sure to check up on him regularly. I feared for this day, yet it finally came. Rest well, Alexxx… and God give your family the heart to bear the loss. Sleep well, IKUKU,” actress Ruth Kadiri wrote.
Other stars, including Ini Dima-Okojie, Bucci Franklin, Dayo Amusa, and singer Johnny Drille, joined the mourning, with Amusa noting that her “heart feels so heavy” after losing a dear colleague.
PUNCH Online reports that Ekubo’s passing was announced on Tuesday by his colleagues, including actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who revealed her attempts to see him before he passed.
