Nigerian film star Alex Ekubo has died, after a long battle with cancer. According to the local media, the award-winning actor was in a hospital in Lagos when he passed away on Monday night. He was 40 years old.
Akubo was born on 10 April, 1986 in Nigeria’s Rivers State. While his family and management are yet to issue a statement, tributes have been pouring in from fans and friends in Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood.
“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.”
Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen – who gave Ekubo his first film role – described his passing as “devastating and unbelievable”, Nigeria’s the Vanguard news site reports.
Ekubo himself had stepped away from social media, with his last post appearing in December 2024, sparking concern for his health among his fans. He has also won many awards for his exceptional work in the entertainment industry.
Nigeria’s First Lady gave him a Special Recognition Award in 2018 for his contribution and development of the country’s entertainment industry.
In 2020, he was inducted into the UN’s Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40, for his efforts in entertainment and social development.
The following year, Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin.
In 2021, he was given the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the year for his charity work, according to his website.
