The Nigerian film industry has bid a final farewell to popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, following weeks of mourning by family, friends, colleagues, and fans across the country. The actor, who reportedly died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40 after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was buried on June 18 after a series of funeral activities held in both Lagos and Abia State.
The burial ceremony attracted prominent figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, political circles, and business community, all of whom gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Nollywood’s most recognizable actors. The funeral service was held at Mary Slessor School in Arochukwu before his remains were interred at the family residence.
Emotional scenes marked the final rites as mourners paid their last respects to the actor, whose career spanned more than a decade and included appearances in numerous successful films and television productions. Videos circulating on social media showed grieving relatives, colleagues, and supporters accompanying the late actor’s casket through his hometown.
Prior to the burial, a service of songs was held in Lagos on June 10, bringing together actors, filmmakers, and entertainment stakeholders who shared memories of Ekubo’s life and career. The event was followed by a wake-keep in Arochukwu on June 17, attended by family members and well-wishers.
Family members described the late actor as a loving son, husband, brother, and friend whose warmth and generosity touched many lives. During the funeral activities, relatives shared personal videos and stories highlighting his close relationship with family members. Some affectionately referred to him by nicknames such as “Bobo” and “Ikuku,” recalling his habit of regularly checking on loved ones despite his demanding professional schedule.
The actor’s passing has continued to generate widespread reactions within the entertainment industry. Several Nollywood stars attended the funeral ceremonies, including actor IK Ogbonna, who was known to be one of Ekubo’s closest friends. Other industry figures joined the gathering to honor his memory and support the bereaved family.
Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli also paid tribute by encouraging fans to revisit one of the actor’s notable film projects. Reports indicated that efforts were made to stream the 2012 movie The First Lady, in which Ekubo appeared, as a way of celebrating his contributions to Nollywood and supporting initiatives linked to his family.
Alexx Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging as first runner-up in the Mr. Nigeria competition before transitioning into acting. Over the years, he became a household name through roles in romantic dramas, comedy productions, and blockbuster movies. His charisma, screen presence, and versatility earned him a loyal fan base across Nigeria and beyond.
Tributes have continued to pour in on social media, where fans have described him as a talented performer whose career inspired many aspiring actors. Colleagues have also praised his professionalism, humility, and commitment to his craft.
While the funeral ceremonies were largely focused on celebrating his life, discussions on social media also generated controversy, with some online users debating rumors and personal matters unrelated to the actor’s legacy. However, many supporters urged the public to focus on honoring his achievements and respecting the privacy of his family during the mourning period.
Industry observers note that Ekubo’s death represents another significant loss for Nollywood, which has recently mourned several respected figures. Many have called for greater awareness of health challenges and the importance of routine medical examinations following reports about the illness that claimed his life.
As family, friends, and fans continue to mourn, Alexx Ekubo will be remembered for his contributions to Nigeria’s film industry, his memorable performances, and the impact he made both on and off the screen.
