Nigeria’s film industry has been thrown into mourning following the reported death of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo after an alleged prolonged battle with cancer.
According to local media reports, the award-winning actor died on Monday night at a hospital in Lagos at the age of 40. His family and management are yet to officially confirm the news.
Ekubo rose to fame through standout roles in films such as Weekend Getaway and also gained wider recognition after appearing in Johnny by Yemi Alade in 2013.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with colleagues and fans describing his passing as a major loss to Nollywood. Actress Funke Akindele, who starred alongside him in Omo Ghetto: The Saga, expressed heartbreak over his death.
“Rest in peace Alex… I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best,” she wrote.
Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first acting role, described the news as “devastating and unbelievable,” while actor Godwin Nnadiekwe called his death heartbreaking.
Born in Rivers State, Nigeria, Ekubo made his acting debut in Sinners in the House and became a household name after competing in the Mr Nigeria contest in 2010.
Throughout his career, he won several awards, including Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards and earned recognition for both his acting career and humanitarian efforts.
His death marks another painful loss for Nollywood, with many remembering him for his talent, charisma and impact on Africa’s entertainment industry.
