Nigerian actor, Alexx Ekubo, died on Tuesday, May 12, at 40. He was dealing with multiple health issues after suffering from cancer, which eventually led to his death.
Alexx Ekubo was born in April 1986. He started studying to become a lawyer at the University of Calabar, but later transitioned to acting. In 2010, he finished as the runner-up in the Mr. Nigeria contest, which led to him gaining more fame. He was known for his roles in romantic and comedy movies in Nollywood.
Alexx Ekubo did not have children, but there are contrasting reports about his marital status. Some reports claimed he was single before his passing, while some claimed he married a woman named Anwuli in 2024.
Ekubo’s close associate, Stanley Ontop, has opened up about his death and his liver cancer. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, he wrote:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alex Ekubo, who died on Monday at a hospital in Lagos. Alex was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in 2024. After undergoing treatment and a liver transplant, he briefly returned to work. Unfortunately, the liver failed again and complications arose, and his condition deteriorated until his passing.”
“His remains have been deposited at the morgue. We kindly ask the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims regarding the cause of his illness. We request that everyone allow Alex to rest in peace and respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Ontop Cares,” he added.
Alexx Ekubo was reportedly dealing with Stage 4 Liver cancer since 2024. However, as Ontop mentioned, he appeared to recover, but faced complications later on.
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Tributes pour in after Alexx Ekubo’s death
Many of Alexx Ekubo’s colleagues and Nollywood members shared their condolences on social media after his death on Tuesday. One of his colleagues, Funke Akindele, shared a story on Instagram, writing (h/t TOI):
“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,” before adding about fond memories, “ore mi like you fondly called me, i will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. REST IN PEACE ALEX.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian actor and producer, Bolanle Ninalowo, also shared a post, writing:
“Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Godwin Nnadiekwe also shared a post, stating that he was finding it tough to describe the situation, writing:
“To think you already prepared your Will – It’s heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”
Alexx Ekubo made his debut in a 2003 Nigerian movie, Sinners in the House. He also starred in the likes of Afamefuna, Power of 1,A Sunday Affair, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Bling Lagosians, Catch.er, Zero Hour, and The First Lady.
In an old 2022 interview (h/t Legit.ng), Ekubo spoke about getting into the industry and how finishing as runner-up in the Mr. Nigeria contest helped him. He said:
“Along the line, I started modelling, but 2010 is when I officially went professional with my movie career. That [Mr. Nigeria] was where my rise to fame started, and it was at that point I decided fully I wanted to do this professionally.”
Alexx Ekubo also said that he had previously done some acting on TV, but he was mainly studying law before becoming a professional actor.
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Edited by Aditya Singh
