Nigeria: Nollywood mourns Alexx Ekubo
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Nigerian entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who passed away on Monday, May 13 2026, at the age of 40. Family sources confirmed to _The Sun Nigeria_ that the actor died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Ekubo’s death brings an end to months of speculation about his health. The actor had largely withdrawn from public view, staying away from social media and industry events for over a year. His last Instagram post was made in December 2024, shortly after reports surfaced that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.
The news of his passing triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with colleagues, celebrities, activists, and fans describing him as both a gifted performer and a kind-hearted friend.
“Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex. ‘Ore mi’ like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in Peace, Alex.”
Actor Bolanle Ninalowo posted, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.” Singer Peter Okoye kept his tribute brief with “RIP.”
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote a longer reflection:
“Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news. Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind. Sleep well, our dear Alex.”
Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described Ekubo as a “rare talent.” In a post on X, he wrote:
“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi. He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe said the news left him struggling for words:
“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. To think you already prepared your will — it’s heartbreaking. I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also paid tribute, noting that Ekubo’s contributions to the industry would endure.
“Your contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten in a hurry. You made significant strides and your memory will continue to inspire younger actors.”
Alexx Ekubo was known for his versatility, charisma, and striking screen presence. Over the course of his career, he starred in numerous hit films and television productions, becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces.
Fans admired him not only for his acting talent but also for his distinctive style and professionalism on set. He often took on roles that showcased both dramatic range and comedic timing, making him a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
Before his illness became public, Ekubo had occasionally addressed questions about his personal life, particularly his unmarried status. In an Instagram post, he explained that he was focused on building his career and achieving financial stability rather than rushing into marriage.
His relationship with Fancy Acholonu drew significant public attention. The couple became engaged in 2021, but the wedding was called off later that year. In 2023, Acholonu publicly apologized and reaffirmed her love for the actor, writing that he still had her heart. Despite the public nature of their relationship, Ekubo maintained a relatively private stance on the matter in his final years.
Ekubo’s death is being felt as a significant loss not just within Nollywood, but across Nigeria’s broader entertainment and cultural landscape. Colleagues have consistently highlighted his generosity, humility, and willingness to mentor younger actors coming into the industry.
His prolonged absence from the public eye had already raised concerns among fans, but many held out hope for his return. The confirmation of his death has closed that chapter, shifting the focus to celebrating his legacy.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the country and the diaspora, with many recalling specific films and scenes where Ekubo’s performance left a lasting impression. For many in the industry, his passing underscores both the fragility of life and the impact one actor can have on a generation of viewers.
As Nollywood processes this loss, Ekubo is being remembered as more than an actor. He was a colleague, a friend, and for many, a symbol of what dedication and talent could achieve in Nigeria’s film industry.
His memory is expected to live on through his body of work and the countless lives he touched both on and off screen.
