Nollywood Mourns Alex Ekubo as Stars Gather for Service of Songs

LAGOS — The laughter he brought to millions of screens went quiet. On Wednesday, June 10, Nollywood gathered to say goodbye to Alex Ekubo, the actor whose talent and warmth had made him one of the industry’s most beloved figures.

His service of songs was held at a venue in Lagos, drawing some of the biggest names in Nollywood, the gospel music community, and Nigerian entertainment broadly. There were tears, tributes, and songs. There was also a deep sense of loss for a man whose death had come as a shock to the industry.

Who Was Alex Ekubo?

Ekubo made his name through a string of Nollywood films that combined comedy with genuine emotional depth. Off screen, he was known for his warmth, his openness about his personal life, and his willingness to use his platform for causes he believed in.

Reports had indicated that he had been battling a prolonged illness before his death. The full details of his health challenges were not widely known until he disclosed them in a recent interview.

The Industry’s Response

Actress Funke Akindele described Ekubo as irreplaceable. “He brought joy to every set he walked on,” she said. “There was no one quite like Alex.”

Actress Ruth Kadiri said she was still processing the news. “Alex was one of the good ones,” she wrote on social media. “We have lost a great light.”

The National Film and Video Censors Board asked Nigerian filmmakers to honour Ekubo’s memory by continuing to tell authentic Nigerian stories with the same commitment he showed throughout his career.

Nollywood’s Growing Grief

The industry has now lost several prominent figures in close succession. Entertainment journalists and fans have noted a somber mood across Nollywood in recent weeks.