Popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, has reportedly died at the age of 40 after battling stage four liver cancer.
News of his death spread across social media on Tuesday after several of his colleagues in the Nigerian movie industry mourned him publicly. Although his family had yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report, tributes from fellow actors and close associates confirmed the sad development.
Ekubo, who was widely known for his roles in romantic comedy and drama films, was regarded as one of the most recognised faces in Nollywood over the last decade. His sudden death has thrown fans and members of the entertainment industry into mourning.
Among the first celebrities to react was actress Funke Akindele, who shared an emotional message on her Instagram story.
She wrote, “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.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe also expressed shock over the news, describing Ekubo’s death as painful and difficult to accept.
“I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — It’s heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend,” he wrote.
Another Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo, who is currently in the United States, also mourned the late actor.
“Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all,” he stated briefly on his social media page.
Before reports of his death emerged, fans had already expressed concern over the actor’s health following his recent public appearance after months away from social media.
Ekubo had not posted on Instagram since December 30, 2024, leading to widespread speculation about his wellbeing. His long absence from the public space triggered questions from followers, with many wondering why the usually active actor suddenly went quiet online.
Concerns grew stronger after a video surfaced online showing him interacting with a group of children. In the clip, which quickly went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, the actor appeared noticeably slimmer and less energetic than usual.
The video was posted by user @AsakyGRN with the caption, “Alex Ekubo spotted for the first time since disappearing from social media.”
Following the release of the footage, many fans flooded social media with prayers and messages of support, while others openly questioned whether the actor was battling an illness.
Though Ekubo never publicly confirmed any health challenge, reports now claim that he had been privately battling stage four liver cancer before his death in hospital.
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Medical experts say the disease is often difficult to detect early because symptoms may not appear until it reaches an advanced stage. In Nigeria, awareness about regular medical check-ups and early diagnosis remains low, with many patients seeking treatment only after complications worsen.
Ekubo’s reported death has once again brought conversations about health awareness, mental wellbeing, and the pressures faced by celebrities into public discussion.
Over the years, the actor built a strong reputation in Nollywood, starring in several successful films and television productions. Known for his calm personality, fashion style, and charming screen presence, he gained popularity among younger audiences and became a regular face in romantic movies.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo studied Law at the University of Calabar before later pursuing a diploma in Mass Communication. He rose to fame after participating in the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest, where he emerged first runner-up. That exposure opened doors for him in the entertainment industry.
Since joining Nollywood, he featured in many films alongside top actors and actresses and won admiration from fans across Nigeria and beyond.
His personal life also attracted public attention over the years, especially regarding marriage and relationships. Before his death, the actor had spoken openly about focusing more on financial stability and career growth rather than settling down.
Many fans recalled his comments about choosing work and personal success over marriage, especially after his highly publicised engagement in the past ended unexpectedly.
As news of his passing continues to spread, tributes have poured in from colleagues, fans, and supporters who described him as talented, humble, and hardworking.
For many Nigerians, Ekubo’s death marks another painful loss for Nollywood, an industry that has in recent years lost several prominent actors and filmmakers.