By Deborah Nnamdi
Late Nollywood actor, model and philanthropist, Alexx Ekubo, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, following a series of emotional funeral rites attended by family members, friends, colleagues and admirers from across Nigeria.
Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40 after a private battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was buried on Thursday after a week-long programme of tributes, Christian worship, and traditional ceremonies held in his honour.
The final phase of the burial rites began on June 17 when his remains arrived at the family residence in Ujari Village, Arochukwu, for a wake-keep ceremony attended by relatives, community leaders,s and members of the entertainment industry. Traditional rites were performed in accordance with family customs as mourners gathered to pay their respects.
A funeral service was later held at Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, before the actor was interred at his family compound. A reception followed immediately after the burial, drawing guests from different parts of the country who came to bid him farewell.
Tributes continued to pour in throughout the ceremonies, with colleagues and friends describing Ekubo as a talented actor, consummate professional, and compassionate humanitarian whose impact extended beyond the screen.
Among those who joined the family in mourning were notable Nollywood figures, including IK Ogbonna, Ini Edo, and Deyemi Okanlawon, alongside other prominent members of the entertainment industry.
Videos and photographs from the burial captured emotional scenes as mourners said their final goodbyes to one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces. His death had sent shockwaves across the Nigerian entertainment industry and among fans who followed his career for more than a decade.
The Ekubo family announced his passing and burial arrangements through the actor’s official Instagram page, outlining a programme that blended Christian worship, traditional rites, and tributes from the Nollywood community.
The funeral activities commenced with a Service of Songs held on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, where colleagues, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his life and legacy through prayers, tributes, and reflections on his contributions to the film industry and humanitarian causes.
Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria competition in 2010, a feat that launched successful careers in modelling and acting.
Although he made his acting debut in 2005, his breakthrough role came in the movie Weekend Getaway, which established him as one of Nollywood’s leading actors. Over the course of his career, he featured in more than 100 films and became known for his versatility across romantic dramas, comedies, and contemporary African cinema.
His notable works include Weekend Getaway, Sugar Rush, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, A Sunday Affair, Hire a Woman, Adanne, and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story. His performance in the latter earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2024.
Beyond acting, Ekubo was widely recognised for his philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives. In 2020, he was named among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Top 100 Under 40 and received several honours for his humanitarian efforts.
As family, friends, and fans continue to mourn his passing, many have reflected on the enduring legacy he leaves behind through his films, charitable contributions, and influence on a generation of aspiring entertainers.
Though his life was cut short at 40, Alexx Ekubo will be remembered as one of Nollywood’s brightest stars whose talent, charisma, and generosity touched countless lives across Africa and beyond.
