Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40 after a battle with cancer, his family has confirmed. The actor, born Alexx Ikenna Ekubo‑Okwaraeke on 10 April 1986, passed away earlier in May at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, with his relatives describing his illness as a “brief but courageous” fight against advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
In a statement shared on his official Instagram page, the family said it was with “profound sadness” that they announced the passing of their “beloved husband, son, brother and friend,” noting that he bore his pain with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope.” They asked for privacy and prayers as they grieve, and said further details of funeral arrangements would follow—later confirming a service of songs in Lagos followed by a wake and interment in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State. A fuller outline of the announced burial rites and dates can be read here.
Ekubo first appeared on screen in the 2005 film “Sinners in the House” and went on to build a prolific career, becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces in romantic comedies and dramas. His credits include hits like “Weekend Getaway,” “Lagos Cougars,” “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” “Your Excellency,” “A Sunday Affair” and the critically praised “Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story,” where his easy charisma and screen presence helped anchor ensemble casts.
@bbcnewspidgin Popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo don kpai at di age of 40 years. Many of im colleagues, Richard Mofe Damijo, Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Rita Dominic, and odas confam Ekubo death. E no clear wetin kill am, but tori be say e bin dey sick. Im last post for Instagram na for 2024. Ekubo wey dem born for Port Harcourt for 1986 don act ova 100 feems. Presenter: @Tami Edit: @oloyenaija #bbcnewspidgin #alexekubo #nigeria #nigerianmovies #nollywood
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News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans, with actors and filmmakers flooding social media with tributes to his talent, warmth and generosity. Many have described him as a “rare soul” and a consummate professional, while others have shared behind‑the‑scenes memories of his humour, fashion sense and support for younger colleagues trying to find their footing in the industry.
As details continue to emerge about his quiet battle with illness, the focus from much of Nollywood has been on celebrating the life he lived rather than the manner of his passing: a career that helped shape modern Nigerian cinema’s look and feel, and a legacy that will live on through the films audiences will keep discovering and revisiting in the years to come. For those wanting to follow official updates from the family, their public statement and subsequent burial announcement have been shared via his verified social pages and in coverage like this report here.