The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following reports that celebrated Nollywood performer Alex Ekubo has died at the age of 40.
News of his passing was confirmed on Tuesday by several colleagues and close associates within the film industry, including acclaimed actress Funke Akindele, actor Bolanle Ninalowo, and filmmaker Godwin Nnadiekwe, all of whom expressed profound grief over the tragic development.
Sharing an emotional tribute through her Instagram story, Akindele revealed that she had attempted to reconnect with the late actor before his passing. She reflected on their friendship and the memorable moments they shared together, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul while recalling the affectionate nickname he often used for her.
Ninalowo, who is currently in the United States, also paid tribute to the deceased actor through a heartfelt message on social media, praying for divine comfort for Ekubo’s family, friends, and the wider entertainment fraternity affected by the devastating loss.
Meanwhile, Nnadiekwe admitted he was struggling to process the shocking development, describing Ekubo as a rare personality within Nollywood whose death had left him emotionally shattered. He further disclosed that the late actor had already prepared his will, a revelation that deepened the sorrow surrounding the tragedy.
As of the time this report was compiled, the family of the late actor had yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
The tragic development comes months after supporters and admirers across social media platforms voiced concerns over Ekubo’s wellbeing following his prolonged disappearance from public view. The actor had remained absent from Instagram since December 30, 2024, prompting widespread speculation among fans regarding his condition and whereabouts.
Public attention intensified after a video recently surfaced online showing the actor interacting quietly with a group of children. Observers immediately noticed a considerable change in his physical appearance, with many commenting that he appeared visibly slimmer and emotionally withdrawn.
The clip, shared on X formerly known as Twitter by user @AsakyGRN, quickly circulated across social media and reignited conversations about the actor’s health and personal struggles. Numerous admirers expressed sadness over his altered appearance while others questioned whether he had been facing undisclosed challenges away from public attention.
Before his passing, Ekubo had openly spoken about prioritising financial success and career advancement above marriage. The actor previously indicated through social media posts that he remained more focused on building wealth within the movie industry rather than responding to public pressure surrounding his unmarried status.
His personal life had repeatedly attracted widespread media attention, particularly following the collapse of his engagement to Fancy Acholonu. In January 2023, Acholonu disclosed during an interview that she had been in a five year relationship with the late actor without any form of intimacy between them.
The United States based model had earlier called off their planned wedding in December 2021 before later publicly apologising to the actor and his family over the emotional fallout from their separation.
In her reconciliation message at the time, Acholonu reaffirmed her affection for Ekubo, admitting she deeply missed him and regretted the pain caused by the breakup. She acknowledged that her actions had been emotionally driven and conceded that she could have handled the situation differently with greater restraint and maturity.
Ekubo remained one of Nollywood’s most recognisable screen personalities, admired for his charisma, fashion sense, and commanding presence in numerous productions throughout his career. His passing marks another painful moment for the Nigerian film industry, with tributes continuing to pour in from colleagues, supporters, and admirers across Africa and beyond.
