The Nigerian movie industry is in mourning following the painful passing of actor Alex Ekubo, who died at the age of 40. On May 12, 2026, social media was shaken by news of the Nollywood star's death, reportedly after a prolonged battle with illness.
Kate Henshaw Breaks the News
Veteran actress Kate Henshaw posted on X that she had just received some bad news and was hoping it wasn't true. Shortly after, social media was flooded with posts confirming that Alex Ekubo had reportedly passed away in a Lagos hospital due to a sickness he had been battling for some time.
Colleagues Pay Tribute
Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Rita Dominic shared social media posts confirming Ekubo's painful passing, describing it as a devastating event that will rock Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry. Pulse Nigeria also tweeted: "Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo has died after battling an illness. He was 40. A devastating, heartbreaking loss for Nollywood and fans worldwide. May his soul rest in peace."
Biography of Alex Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke, professionally known as Alexx Ekubo, was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was a native of Arochukwu, Abia State. He attended Federal Government College Daura before studying Law at the University of Calabar. He made his film debut in 2003 with a minor role in Lancelot Imasuen's Sinners in the House, but gained fame during the 2011 Mr Nigeria contest, where he finished as first runner-up.
Breakthrough and Career Highlights
His breakout performance in the 2012 blockbuster Weekend Getaway earned him the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards. Ekubo became a household name through the popular sitcom AY's Crib and enjoyed box office success in the 2019 movies The Bling Lagosians and Your Excellency. In 2023, he starred in Kayode Kasum's Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, earning critical acclaim.
Personal Life and Final Days
Beyond the screen, Ekubo was part of a close-knit trio alongside IK Ogbonna and Yomi Casual. His romantic relationships attracted fan interest, and his split from model Fancy Acholonu made headlines in 2021. After starring in the movie Conversation in Transit alongside Richard Mofe Damijo and Osas Ighodaro, Ekubo suddenly disappeared from the public eye, raising concerns among fans and colleagues.
Industry Reaction
The news of his passing casts a dark cloud over Nollywood, which has lost one of its leading men and a major figure in the generation of stars refining Nigerian cinema. As of the time of this report, Alex Ekubo's family had not yet released an official statement on his passing.
