Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Dies at 40, Colleagues Mourn Film Star

Popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has died at the age of 40, throwing Nigeria’s entertainment industry into mourning. There has been an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and filmmakers across the country.

News of the actor’s death emerged on Tuesday after several Nollywood stars confirmed the development through emotional messages shared on social media.

Among the first to react was actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who described the late actor as a close friend and expressed sadness over his passing.

In a message shared on her Instagram story, Akindele wrote that she had tried to reconnect with him before his death but was unable to do so.

“Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best,” she wrote, recalling their friendship and moments they shared in the industry.

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also paid tribute from the United States, praying for strength for Ekubo’s family and the Nollywood community.

Similarly, actor Godwin Nnadiekwe described the news as devastating, saying the late actor’s death came as a shock.

“I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me,” he wrote.

As of Tuesday evening, members of Ekubo’s family had yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Ekubo was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, known for his charm, fashion sense and performances in romantic dramas and comedy films. Over the years, he built a strong following both within Nigeria and among international fans of African cinema.

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the actor rose to prominence in the early 2010s after appearing in several high-profile Nollywood productions. He featured in numerous movies and television projects and became a regular face at entertainment events, award ceremonies and endorsement campaigns.

His death comes months after concerns grew among fans over his prolonged absence from social media and public events.

Ekubo had largely disappeared from Instagram since late December 2024, fueling speculation about his health and emotional wellbeing.

Recently, a viral video showing the actor interacting with children reignited public discussion after viewers observed that he appeared noticeably slimmer and quieter than usual.

The footage sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans expressing worry and praying for his recovery at the time.

Beyond his acting career, Ekubo frequently made headlines over his personal life, especially his highly publicised relationship with US-based model Fancy Acholonu.

The couple’s planned wedding was abruptly called off in 2021, generating intense conversations on social media and entertainment platforms.

In later interviews, Acholonu publicly apologised to the actor and reaffirmed her affection for him, while Ekubo himself occasionally addressed public curiosity surrounding his unmarried status.

In one of his social media posts before his death, the actor suggested he was more focused on building financial success and advancing his career than on marriage.

Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and colleagues, many describing him as humble, stylish and supportive within the entertainment industry.

His passing marks another painful loss for Nollywood, which has in recent years witnessed the deaths of several veteran and younger actors, raising concerns about the pressures and health challenges facing entertainers in Nigeria.