Family confirms passing of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo

Obituaries

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The family of beloved Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed his death, which trended on social media yesterday, breaking the hearts of his fans across Nigeria and around the world.

In a statement titled “From the Family of Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke” released on Wednesday, the family announced: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.”

According to the family, Alexx died at Evercare Hospital after complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, following a brief but courageous battle. “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,” the statement read.

Tributes from colleagues and fans dominated social media throughout the day, celebrating his talent, charisma, and contributions to Nollywood.

The family appealed for privacy during this painful period, asking for prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for all who mourn this immense loss.

Alexx Ekubo’s Nollywood career has been defined by a string of standout performances that highlight his range, screen presence and versatility. His breakthrough came with In the Cupboard (2012), where he played Tega in a role that earned him the Most Promising Actor award and marked him as one of the industry’s fast-rising talents. That same year, he featured in Weekend Getaway, portraying Andre Dikeh, a performance that won him Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards and further cemented his status among Nollywood’s emerging stars.

He went on to expand his repertoire with roles that cut across social commentary and satire. In Power of 1 (2018), Ekubo played LeJit, a character centred on youth empowerment and political consciousness, showcasing his ability to handle weightier, issue-driven narratives. His performance in The Bling Lagosians (2019) further demonstrated his depth, as he portrayed Nnamdi in a sharp satire of Lagos high society, earning praise for his restrained and emotionally nuanced delivery.

Ekubo also displayed strong comedic timing in blockbuster productions such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), contributing to one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films with a lively and memorable performance. Collectively, these roles reflect a career that spans romance, comedy, drama and social satire, reinforcing his place as one of Nollywood’s most versatile contemporary actors.