Alexx Ekubo Passes Away at 40 After Private Cancer Battle
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of popular Nollywood actor and model, Alexx Ekubo. The award-winning star passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 40. According to family sources and reports from The Sun Nigeria, the actor died after a prolonged and private battle with cancer, which had kept him away from the spotlight for several months.
Ekubo’s absence from the public eye had been a subject of significant concern for fans and colleagues alike throughout 2025 and early 2026. His last major social media activity dated back to December 2024, following the public end of his engagement. It has now been revealed that he spent the intervening period managing a severe health crisis, with some reports specifically identifying the illness as kidney cancer.
As news of his passing spread on Tuesday, May 12, social media became a space for an outpouring of grief from industry heavyweights. Funke Akindele shared a touching tribute, writing, “I tried to reach out to see you one more time but guess you knew best. ‘Ore mi’ like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times.” Similarly, colleague Godwin Nnadiekwe expressed his heartbreak, revealing that the actor had even prepared his Will in anticipation of the end, a detail that has deeply moved the public.
Alexx Ekubo first rose to national prominence as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest. He seamlessly transitioned into acting, becoming a household name known for his wit, charm, and versatility. Over a career spanning more than a decade, he starred in numerous blockbusters, including Weekend Getaway and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, and won several accolades, such as “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
A Law graduate from the University of Calabar, Ekubo was widely respected not just for his talent, but for his professional dedication and impeccable sense of style. He was famously part of a close-knit trio alongside IK Ogbonna and Yomi Casual, who were frequently seen together at major industry events. His death marks a significant loss for Nollywood, as he was considered one of the most bankable and beloved leading men of his generation.
Final funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, the Actors Guild of Nigeria and various stakeholders have continued to pay their respects, with many describing him as a “rare soul” whose presence lit up the screen. His legacy remains cemented in the dozens of films and television productions that showcased his unique ability to bring characters to life with effortless sophistication.
