Nollywood Mourns As Family Confirms Ekubo’s Death At 40, Marital Status

THE family of Nollywood actor and model, Alexx Ekubo, has formally announced his death on Monday night, May 11, at the age of 40, following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
News about his transition had earlier sent shockwaves across the Nigerian film industry, as colleagues, friends and fans took to the social media to pay tribute to the handsome actor.
His family, on Wednesday, May 13, formally announced his death in a statement posted on the actor’s verified Instagram page, saying: “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 at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world.
“During this deeply painful time, we humbly ask for privacy and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, and for all who mourn this immense loss.
“Further details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters will be communicated in due course.
“We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers and understanding extended to the family throughout this period.”
The statement ostensibly erases any previous doubts about his marital status, leaving prhaps only the question of whther he had children, in or out of the marriage.
Reacting earlier to the public’s questions about the deceased’s sudden death, Nollywood filmmaker, Stanley Ontop, had revealled that Ekubo had secretly been battling Stage 4 liver cancer since 2024.
In an Instagram page on Tuesday evening, Stanley explained that Ekubo underwent a liver transplant, adding that “complications arose after the liver failed again, and his condition deteriorated until his passing.”
Urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims regarding the cause of death, Stanley requested everyone to allow the deceased to rest in peace and respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time.
Tributes have continued to pour in, with Funke Akindele, in a message on her Instagram Story, writing: “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. 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. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Bolanle Ninalowo wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all,” and Godwin Nnadiekwe said: “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul. Rest well, my friend.”
Colleague and friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, described news of his death as heart-breaking, writing on is Instagram page: “Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words, because this wasn’t the plan.”
Filmmaker, Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first film role, said his death was “devastating and unbelievable.”
Other celebrities, including AY Makun, Omoni Oboli, Mo Abudu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Yvonne Jegede, Ruth Kadiri, Yul Edochie and Peter Okoye, had also paid glowing tributes.
Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Ekubo hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State.
He attended Federal Government College Daura, Katsina State, before studying Law at University of Calabar.
Prior to making his mark as an actor, Ekubo was the first runner-up at the Mr. Nigeria 2010 pageant, which propelled him into modelling.
His acting debut was in 2003 in Sinners in the House, but he rose to limelight with his performance in Weekend Getaway.
Over two decades, he featured in numerous productions, including The Bling Lagosians; Omo Ghetto: The Saga, A Sunday Affair; Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story; and The Blood Covenant.
He is also accliamed for his roles in Tinsel, AY’s Crib and Married to the Game.
Ekubo was in 2020 named among the Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in recognition of his contributions to entertainment and youth development.
He was also a producer, host, motivational speaker and philanthropist, noted for his support of youth empowerment and humanitarian causes.
Ekubo had stepped away from social media, with his last post in December 2024, sparking concern for his health, three years after his fiancée, Nigerian-American actress and model, Fancy Acholonu, ended their engagement about three months before their wedding.