The entertainment industry was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the reported death of Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, a development that has left fans, colleagues and friends in shock.
The news was first shared by talent manager, Sam Olatunji, who disclosed that the actor died at a hospital in Lagos State after battling cancer.
His family later confirmed his passing in a statement released on his page on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke. After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer,” the statement read.
It added that the actor faced his illness with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope,” while appealing for privacy and prayers as the family mourns the loss.
“Further details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters will be communicated in due course. We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family,” it added.
Since the announcement, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and friends, many of whom expressed disbelief and grief over his passing.
Comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, described the loss as deeply painful, recalling shared moments and brotherhood in the industry.
“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them… this one hurts deeply,” he wrote.
Filmmaker, Funke Akindele, also expressed sorrow, noting her efforts to reach out before his passing.
“I really tried to reach out to see you one more time… May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex,” she wrote.
Actor, Mike Godson, in an emotional post, said he had repeatedly tried to check on the late actor, expressing shock that he had passed without notice.
Other colleagues including William Uchemba, Kcee, Omoni Oboli, Bolanle Ninalowo, Mo Abudu, Kate Henshaw, Ini Dima-Okojie, Ruth Kadiri, Kunle Remi, Yvonne Jegede, Johnny Drille and many others also paid tribute across social media.
Meanwhile, reactions have also trailed online commentary surrounding his personal life, including unsolicited advice and criticism from some users on social media.
Separately, attention has also returned to the actor’s extended absence from the public space in recent years, following previous assurances from close friends that he was in good health and focusing on personal matters.
In a 2025 interview, close associate, Ik Ogbonna, had dismissed concerns about his wellbeing, stating that the actor was “very okay” and simply taking time away from the spotlight.
The late actor’s former relationship has also resurfaced in public discussions, with mixed reactions trailing commentary about his ex-fiancée, Fancy Acholonu, who ended their engagement in 2021 and later issued a public apology in 2022.
As tributes continue to mount, fans have described Ekubo as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, with many still struggling to come to terms with the news of his passing.
