• Popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has died at the age of 40
• Colleagues including Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, Godwin Nnadiekwe, and others confirmed the news on social media
• Ekubo was widely celebrated for his roles in hit Nollywood movies and his influence in entertainment, fashion and humanitarian work

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, who reportedly died at the age of 40.

News of his death surfaced on Tuesday, May 12, after some of his colleagues and close associates took to social media to mourn the actor and share emotional tributes about their relationship with him.

Among the first celebrities to react was Funke Akindele, who revealed that she had tried to reconnect with him before his passing.

Sharing 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.”

Bolanle Ninalowo also mourned the late actor from the United States, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe described the news as heartbreaking, saying, “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 heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

As tributes flooded social media, more celebrities shared emotional memories of the late actor, popularly known among colleagues as “Ikuku.”

Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, who described him as her “bestie,” wrote, “I’m so upset! Who will help me fight death? This is too much! How are we supposed to move on? How do we say goodbye? I’m devastated. My bestie! Why? We had a plan! Where do I start from?”

Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu also reflected on their last interaction, expressing regret that she never followed up after he stopped replying to her messages.

“We hadn’t spoken in a while. I remember you travelled last year and replied when you got back. I sent another message after that, and when you didn’t respond, I didn’t follow up. I never imagined there wouldn’t be another chance.

“Dear Alex, you will be so deeply missed. You were such a beautiful human being, loving, real, kind, and always so respectful every single time we worked together,” she wrote.

Veteran actress Kate Henshaw recalled how Ekubo stood by her during a difficult moment in her life.

“We chatted when I noticed your absence on SM, and you said you were fine. I wanted a chance to repay you for your kindness at that time, but not like this, Alex. I pray God accepts your soul and comforts your loved ones left behind. Goodbye, rest in the bosom of God Almighty from whom you came,” she shared.

Actress Yvonne Jegede also struggled to process the loss.

“I can’t process this. I checked on him, and he kept saying he was fine. It’s so sad. Are you telling me I will never see Ikuku again? So I won’t hear him scream CHOCO with a big smile again? This is unimaginable. My spirit is broken. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a friend. You were a wonderful person. Rest Well, Champ Alex ‘Ikuku’ Ekubo.”

Actor Kunle Remi added, “Ikuku The Breeze. This really hurts, bro! I checked on you…I still spoke about you yesterday… A good man. God is taking care of you. Bask in His peace.”

Ruth Kadiri wrote, “I made sure to check up on him regularly. I feared for this day, yet it finally came. Rest well, Alexxx… and God give your family the heart to bear the loss. Sleep well, IKUKU.”

Other stars, including Ini Dima-Okojie, Bucci Franklin, Dayo Amusa and Johnny Drille, also joined in mourning the actor.

Things to know about Alex Ekubo

Before news of his death emerged, fans had expressed concerns about Ekubo’s health following his prolonged absence from social media.

The actor had not posted on Instagram since December 30, 2024, sparking widespread speculation about his wellbeing.

A recent viral video showing him interacting with children further intensified concerns, as many fans noted that the actor appeared noticeably slimmer and subdued.

Although actor Ikechukwu Ogbonna had earlier reassured fans that Ekubo was healthy and merely taking time away from social media, worries about the actor persisted online.

Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. He attended Federal Government College, Daura, before studying Law at the University of Calabar and later obtaining a degree in Mass Communication from Calabar Polytechnic.

Ekubo rose to fame after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition, a breakthrough that launched his successful career in modelling and acting.

Over the years, he became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable leading men, starring in films such as Lagos Cougars, Weekend Getaway, In the Cupboard, Hire a Woman, Sugar Rush and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.

Beyond acting, he was also known for his humanitarian work and contributions to entertainment and fashion, earning several local and international recognitions throughout his career.

Before his death, the actor had often dismissed conversations about marriage, insisting that he was more focused on building his career and making money in the film industry.

His former fiancée, Fancy Acholonu, had previously opened up about their failed engagement and later publicly apologised to the actor after their 2021 breakup.

As condolences continue to pour in across social media, fans and colleagues are remembering Ekubo not only for his screen presence and charisma, but also for the kindness, warmth and friendship many say he brought into their lives.

Tribute: 10 Nollywood actors that have passed in 2024

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nollywood was hit with numerous deaths in 2024.

From John Okafor (Mr Ibu) and Amaechi Munagor to Sharon Okpamen, many big names left the scene permanently, with a void that cannot be easily filled.