Nollywood Mourns Alexx Ekubo, Dead at 40 After Cancer Battle

LAGOS — Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40 after a private battle with kidney cancer. He passed away on May 11, 2026, at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos. His family confirmed the news in a statement released on May 13.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke. After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer,” the family statement read.

The news sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry. Tributes flooded in from colleagues, fans, and public figures. Actress Funke Akindele described him as a kind and loyal friend. “Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time,” Akindele wrote on Instagram.

Ekubo spent much of 2025 and early 2026 in and out of specialist medical care. He had gone silent on social media since December 2024, raising concern among fans. His last public post gave no hint of the serious illness he was fighting.

A Career Worth Celebrating

Ekubo was born on April 10, 1986, in Arochukwu, Abia State. He studied law at the University of Calabar. In 2010, he finished as first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria contest. That platform launched one of the most consistent careers in modern Nollywood.

He starred in blockbusters including The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and A Sunday Affair. In 2012, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his role in In the Cupboard. His portrayal of “Johnny” in Yemi Alade’s music video also made him a household name.

Veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first movie role, described the loss as devastating. “I gave him his first role. He came to the set every Saturday as a student. He was special from the beginning,” Imasuen said.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Beyond acting, Ekubo was known for his humanitarian work. In 2020, he was named among the Most Influential People of African Descent under 40. He received the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year award in 2021 and served as a Rotary Youth Ambassador.

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore described him as “a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly.” Similarly, actor Richard Mofe-Damijo called his death difficult to process but praised what he called a life well lived.

Ekubo’s funeral arrangements have not yet been made public. His family has asked for privacy as they mourn. Nollywood’s Actors Guild of Nigeria has announced a special tribute session to honour his life and contributions to Nigerian cinema.