LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian entertainment industry turned out in force Wednesday to honor late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo at a service of songs held at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki. The event, marked by an all‑white dress code, drew actors, musicians, and public figures who paid tribute to the star’s life and legacy.
Ekubo, 40, died May 11 after a battle with kidney cancer, his family confirmed. The service of songs marked the official commencement of his burial rites, which will continue in his home state of Abia with a wake‑keep June 17 and interment June 18.
Among those in attendance were actresses Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri, and Nkechi Blessing. Celebrity couple Stan Nze and Blessing Obasi, actor Frederick Leonard, media personality Ebuka Obi‑Uchendu, singer Chike Osebukam, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest also joined the gathering. Gospel ministers Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs, Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey, and Kaestrings led worship, while Pastor Jerry Eze offered prayers.
Ekubo rose to prominence in Nollywood with roles in romantic comedies and dramas, earning accolades for his charisma and versatility. He was named Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards and became a fixture in Nigerian pop culture, appearing in films such as Weekend Getaway and The First Lady.
In recent years, Ekubo faced a private health struggle. According to his family, he battled advanced metastatic kidney cancer, a condition that ultimately led to his death on May 11, 2026. Despite undergoing treatment, the illness progressed, and he remained largely private about his diagnosis, choosing to keep details away from the public eye.
His passing has been widely mourned across the industry, with colleagues and fans alike expressing grief over the loss of a beloved actor whose career embodied Nollywood’s vibrancy. The revelation of his illness has also sparked conversations about the resilience of public figures who continue to inspire audiences while enduring personal battles.
On social media, fans expressed shock at learning that Ekubo had a wife, Anwuli, after prayers were offered for her during the service. “I never knew Alexx was married. This is heartbreaking,” one user wrote on X. Another commented, “He kept his private life truly private. Respect to him, but this revelation makes the loss even heavier.”
Friends and colleagues shared emotional tributes. Actress Nancy Isime described him as “a good man whose positivity touched everyone.” Singer Yemi Alade recalled how Ekubo appeared in her breakout video “Johnny” without payment, calling him “a selfless supporter of others’ dreams.” Actor IK Ogbonna broke down in tears, calling Ekubo “my brother in every sense.”
Social commentators noted the event underscored the tight‑knit nature of Nollywood. “The turnout shows how deeply Alexx was loved and respected,” said entertainment analyst Charles Okoye. “It also highlights how celebrities balance public personas with private lives.”
The Ekubo family, in a statement released via his official Instagram page, urged fans to keep them in their prayers. The wake‑keep will be held June 17 at his family residence in Arochukwu, Abia State, followed by burial on June 18. The family has requested attendees wear white in keeping with the theme of celebrating his life.
