Alexx Ekubo Funeral: Family Announces June 18 Burial in Abia

LAGOS — The family of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that his burial will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu, Abia State. The announcement, released on Tuesday, brings some clarity to a grieving entertainment community that has been awaiting news about when they can gather to honour one of Nollywood’s finest performers.

Ekubo passed away on May 11, 2026, at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, after a private battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He was 40 years old. News of his death, confirmed by his family on May 13, sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry and triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans across the country and diaspora.

The family confirmed that a full programme of events will be announced in the coming week. Activities are expected to include memorial services in Lagos before the body is conveyed to Abia for the final burial rites. The family has asked that all tribute events respect Ekubo’s values and legacy.

Ekubo’s colleagues in the Actors Guild of Nigeria said they are coordinating a formal industry tribute that will take place before June 18. The guild said it wants to give every Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker an opportunity to pay their respects before the burial. Details of the guild’s tribute event will be released separately.

His Legacy in Nollywood

Alexx Ekubo left a remarkable legacy in a career that spanned more than a decade. He starred in blockbuster productions including The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and A Sunday Affair. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012 for his role in In the Cupboard.

Beyond the award, Ekubo was known for his dedication to his craft and his generosity toward younger colleagues. Veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave him his first role, described him as someone who was special from the very beginning. Director Funke Akindele called him a kind and loyal friend who always showed up when it mattered.

Furthermore, Ekubo’s humanitarian work set him apart from many of his peers. He was recognised among the Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40 in 2020. His work with Rotary International as a youth ambassador touched thousands of young Nigerians. His death at 40, from a disease that might have been caught earlier with regular screening, has renewed national conversations about cancer awareness.

Cancer Awareness in His Memory

Several Nigerian health organisations have used the occasion of Ekubo’s death and burial announcement to call on Nigerians to take cancer screening seriously. Oncologists said kidney cancer, like many cancers, is most treatable when detected early. Regular check-ups, attention to warning signs, and access to quality healthcare are all critical.

The family said it will announce a specific charitable initiative in Ekubo’s memory in the weeks following the burial. Early indications suggest the initiative will focus on cancer awareness and access to screening for Nigerians who cannot afford private healthcare. It would be a fitting tribute to a man whose loss has already inspired greater public awareness about the disease.

Nigerians who knew Ekubo personally and those who only knew him through his work have united in grief. His burial on June 18 will give the entire country an opportunity to say goodbye to a man who gave so much of himself to Nigerian cinema, to humanitarian service, and to the people whose lives he touched along the way.