ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Famous Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has died. Family sources said he died on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.

His whereabouts had been a concern to many, as he had been absent from social media for quite some time.

Ekubo’s last post on social media was in December 2024, shortly after his marriage engagement was called off.

Alex was renowned for his versatility as an actor and his good looks.

His colleagues have taken to social media to express shock over his sudden demise.

Family sources disclosed that the actor passed away on Monday, May 11, after months away from the public eye, sparking concerns among fans and colleagues over his prolonged absence from social media and entertainment events.

Ekubo, widely admired for his versatility, charm and striking screen presence, had not made any public appearance in recent months. His last social media post was reportedly shared in December 2024, shortly after news broke that his engagement had been called off.

Known for his performances in several Nollywood productions, the actor built a reputation as one of the industry’s most recognisable faces, earning admiration from fans across Nigeria and beyond.

News of his alleged death sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with fellow actors and industry stakeholders taking to social media to express grief and disbelief.

Veteran actress Kate Henshaw reacted emotionally, writing, “I just heard a terrible news. Father Lord pleaseeeee.”

National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, also mourned the actor, sharing his photograph alongside a crying emoji and the words, “I can’t relate.”

Comic actor Chinedu Ikedieze simply wrote, “Jesus, how?”

Sonia Ogene, visibly shaken by the reports, posted: “What am I hearing? I hope it’s not true. Alex Ekubo? I hope this is a joke or prank.”

Actor Uzee Usman also expressed sadness over the development, writing, “Honestly, I can’t relate. Why do good souls go early? This one pain me o.”

As tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues and well-wishers, many have described Ekubo’s reported passing as a painful loss to Nollywood and the Nigerian creative industry.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the reported death of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who died at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

According to The Sun Nigeria, family sources said the actor passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, after months of illness.

Alexx Ekubo’s prolonged absence from the public eye had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for an extended period.

His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues, celebrities, activists and fans across social media platforms, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.

Popular actress Funke Akindele shared an emotional message on her Instagram Story.

She wrote, “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 also reacted, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Singer Peter Okoye simply posted, “RIP.”

Veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote, “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 the late actor as a “rare talent.”

“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,” Sowore wrote on X.

“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.”

Broadcaster Oseni Rufai wrote briefly, “Rest well Alex.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe described the news as heartbreaking.

“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 expressed condolences, saying Ekubo’s contributions to the entertainment industry would not be forgotten.

“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.”

Before his death, Ekubo had occasionally addressed public curiosity about his unmarried status.

In a post on his Instagram page, the actor suggested he was focused on building his career and making money rather than rushing into marriage.

His relationship with Fancy Acholonu had drawn significant public attention. The couple became engaged in 2021, but their planned wedding was called off later that year. In 2023, Acholonu publicly apologised and reaffirmed her love for the actor, writing that he still had her heart.

Known for his versatility, charisma and striking screen presence, Ekubo built a successful career in Nollywood, starring in numerous hit films and television productions. Widely regarded as one of the industry’s most recognisable faces, he earned admiration from fans for both his talent and his distinctive style.

His death marks a significant loss to Nollywood and to the broader Nigerian entertainment community, where he was celebrated as both a gifted performer and a beloved colleague.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The father of former Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy involving his daughter, giving his account of the family dispute that recently sparked widespread reactions online.

Speaking amid the fallout from a viral video showing an altercation between both parties, Ilebaye’s father said he had strongly supported her during her participation in the reality show, especially during the All Stars edition.

According to him, he and several of his associates invested money, time and effort into ensuring she remained in the competition whenever she faced possible eviction.

He claimed that after winning the show, Ilebaye gradually became distant and stopped communicating with him despite repeated attempts to reconnect with her.

The father alleged that he wanted them to appreciate individuals who supported her journey during the competition but said his efforts to reach her were unsuccessful.

He also claimed he advised the reality star to dedicate part of her winnings to helping the less privileged, but said the suggestion was ignored.

Speaking further, he disputed claims surrounding a hotel frequently displayed by Ilebaye on social media, insisting that the property belonged to him.

He expressed concern over what he described as her current lifestyle, alleging that he feared she was heading in a dangerous direction.

The father also criticised cosmetic procedures allegedly carried out by the reality star, including fillers and a Brazilian Butt Lift, saying he believed she was too young for such surgeries.

Addressing family-related issues, he alleged that there had been longstanding disagreements between Ilebaye and her mother, adding that he often attempted to mediate between them.

According to him, he eventually felt disrespected by his daughter and claimed she became physically aggressive during some confrontations.

Reacting to the viral assault incident, he admitted that he hit her during an argument but claimed it happened in anger following repeated disagreements and alleged acts of disrespect.

He also disclosed that he had been battling health challenges, including high blood pressure, and had received medical treatment in United Arab Emirates.

According to him, he sought financial assistance from Ilebaye during the period but was disappointed after later seeing videos of her spraying cash publicly at a wedding ceremony.

The father further spoke about his strained relationship with Ilebaye’s mother, alleging that she frequently left their home for long periods before returning after interventions from religious leaders.

He claimed Ilebaye initially supported his decision to divorce her mother before later opposing it.

Appealing to Nigerians, he asked for forgiveness for both himself and his daughter, saying the family hoped to resolve the matter privately.

He confirmed that he was arrested after the incident but said efforts had been made to settle the issue, although the police had invited him again in connection with the matter.