Entertainment
Sad: Real cause of death of popular movie star, Ekubo finally revealed
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Alexx-Ekubo-1000x600.jpg&description=Sad: Real cause of death of popular movie star, Ekubo finally revealed', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Alexx-Ekubo-1000x600.jpg&description=Sad: Real cause of death of popular movie star, Ekubo finally revealed', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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.
Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.
In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.
They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.
The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.
The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.
Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.
“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.
The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.
Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.
He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.
Fifteen housemates have been put up for possible eviction in week six of Big Brother Naija Season 11.
The nominees are Chimsom Chuka, Flora, Aikou, Bells, Tram, Gerard, Oyin, Ricky, Barry, Temi Nkem, Araga, Yusuf, Nomy, Bluethopia and Keivo.
The list was confirmed during Monday’s nomination proceedings in the house.
Head of House Abi is immune from eviction this week following her win in the week six HOH challenge.
She also becomes a two-time HOH this season.
Also safe from eviction is Sheba, who emerged as the Most Influential Player for week five.
The title comes with immunity for the following week.
With Aikou and Flora’s gambit status now revoked, both housemates are eligible for nominations and eviction for the first time this season.
The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, under the theme, “Africa to the World”.
The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.
Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season.
Wizkid is in contention in major categories, including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year. His album, Morayo, is also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.
Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. He is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece. Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract significant attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize. The category has traditionally served as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer, Awilo Longomba, set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame Award, while Nigerian entertainment executive, Cecil Hammond, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.
With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now shift to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.
Hormuz : ‘We’re going to hammer them hard’, Trump vows fresh threat against Iran
Sad! Family of four die in Kwara building collapse
EFCC summons Timipre Sylva over Queries After Fresh Allegations
-
News12 hours agoEFCC sacks over 40 staff for corruption, prosecutes 5 others
-
News23 hours agoAPM, ADC Group Demand Release Of FBI Record On Tinubu
-
Metro12 hours agoAir Force Officer Narrates How Gunmen Abducted His Wife, Two Children From Kaduna Home
-
News12 hours agoCalls Mount for Forensic Audit of Chinua Achebe Airport Over Alleged Revenue Diversion
-
Economy12 hours agoNNPCL Increases Price Of Petrol
-
News5 hours agoJust in: Court fires 2027 APC candidate, orders fresh primaries
-
Entertainment12 hours agoHeadies dismiss claims of sidelining gospel artistes
-
News5 hours agoBreaking Dangote Refinery stops sales of petroleum products to Matrix, AA Rano, others