Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo Dies at 40, Colleagues Pay Emotional Tributes

The Nigerian entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of award-winning Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, who passed away at the age of 40 on May 11, 2026, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Reports indicate that the actor was rushed to a hospital in Lagos on Monday and placed on life support before succumbing to his illness on Tuesday afternoon . Sources close to the family suggest the actor had been privately managing health complications related to cancer, with some reports indicating he suffered from kidney cancer. Other accounts have mentioned stage 4 liver cancer.

The news has sent shockwaves across social media, with colleagues and fans struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of the industry’s most beloved personalities. Several Nollywood stars have taken to Instagram to share emotional tributes.

Award-winning actress Funke Akindele confirmed the news with a somber post on her Instagram reels. “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex,” she wrote . In a subsequent message, she added, “I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex. ‘Ore mi’, like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together”.

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe expressed deep sorrow and disbelief. “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me,” he wrote. “Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — it’s heartbreaking, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend”.

Bolanle Ninalowo, currently in the United States, also mourned his colleague. “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all,” he posted.

Veteran actress Kate Henshaw reacted emotionally, writing, “I just heard a terrible news. Father Lord pleaseeeee”. The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, shared the actor’s photograph alongside a crying emoji, stating, “I can’t relate”. Comic actor Chinedu Ikedieze simply wrote, “Jesus, how?”.

Concerns about Ekubo’s health had grown in recent months following his notable absence from public events and social media. The actor’s last known post on Instagram was on December 30, 2024, which had fueled speculation among his millions of followers about his wellbeing . A recent viral video showing the actor interacting with children drew further attention after viewers noticed he appeared noticeably slimmer and subdued.

Born on April 10, 1986, in Arochukwu, Abia State, Alexx Ekubo (full name Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke) first rose to fame after finishing as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest. He held a degree in Law from the University of Calabar and a diploma in Mass Communication.

Over a career spanning more than a decade, Ekubo starred in over 100 films, becoming a household name known for his charm, wit, and sophisticated screen presence. Some of his notable credits include “The Bling Lagosians,” “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” “A Sunday Affair,” “Weekend Getaway,” and “Afamefuna”. His performance in the 2012 film “In the Cupboard” earned him the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

As of the time of this report, the actor’s family had not yet released an official statement regarding the circumstances of his death or burial arrangements.