Nigeria’s film industry is in mourning following reports that popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The award-winning actor reportedly passed away on Monday night at a hospital in Lagos, according to multiple local media reports. Although his family and management had yet to release an official statement at the time of reporting, tributes from colleagues, fans, and members of the entertainment industry quickly flooded social media.
Ekubo was widely recognised for his performances in Nollywood productions such as Weekend Getaway and for his appearance in Yemi Alade’s hit 2013 music video Johnny, which helped cement his popularity across Africa.
Reacting to the news, actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele shared an emotional tribute recalling their friendship and time working together on the blockbuster comedy Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
“I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best,” she wrote. “You kept telling me you are fine. May your kind soul rest in peace Alex.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe described the news as heartbreaking, saying Nollywood had lost “a rare soul,” while veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen — who reportedly gave Ekubo his first movie role — called his death “devastating and unbelievable.”
Concerns about Ekubo’s health had grown in recent months after the actor quietly stepped away from public appearances and social media. His last known post reportedly appeared in December 2024, prompting speculation among fans about his wellbeing.
Born on April 10, 1986, in Rivers State, Alexx Ekubo studied law at the University of Calabar before pursuing a career in entertainment. His rise to fame accelerated after competing in the Mr Nigeria contest in 2010, which introduced him to a wider audience.
He made his acting debut in the 2005 production Sinners in the House and went on to become one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces. In 2013, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role as Andre Dikeh in Weekend Getaway.
Over the course of his career, Ekubo received multiple awards and honours, including Best Actor of the Year and Best Lead Actor at different editions of the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond acting, he earned recognition for humanitarian and social impact work. In 2018, Nigeria’s First Lady presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry, while in 2020 he was inducted into the United Nations-backed Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) list under 40.
He also received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin and several humanitarian awards for charity and community development efforts.
Ekubo’s personal life also occasionally drew public attention, particularly in 2021 when his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu ended just months before their planned wedding.
His death marks another painful loss for Nollywood, with fans and colleagues remembering him not only for his screen presence but also for his charisma, philanthropy, and influence within the entertainment industry.
