Posted by Chinenye on Thu 18th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
Tears and tributes filled Ujari in Arochukwu as family members, government officials, and Nollywood stars gathered for the burial of actor Alex Ekubo, who passed away at 40 after a battle with kidney cancer.
(Nollywood bid farewell. Photo by Facebook/gistlover)
On Thursday, the state government, friends, relatives, and prominent members of Nigeria's entertainment business gathered in Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, to bid farewell to Nollywood star Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, well known as Alex Ekubo. The event was marked by emotion and loss.
After a protracted illness, Ekubo, one of Nigeria's most well-known film performers, passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from severe kidney cancer.
Numerous Nollywood actors and actresses who traveled from all across the nation to pay their respects to the late actor, whose career lasted more than ten years and won him broad admiration throughout Africa and beyond, attended the funeral.
Representing Governor Alex Otti at the funeral, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba described the death of actor Alex Ekubo as a profound loss to Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and fans around the world.
He described Ekubo as more than an entertainer, calling him a cultural ambassador whose talent brought honour to both Abia State and Nigeria on the global stage, and noted that his life embodied the resilience and creativity of Abia's youth, inspiring many young people to pursue excellence while staying proud of their roots.
Delivering the funeral sermon, Lead Pastor Eno Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, encouraged attendees to focus on building lasting legacies, stressing that life's true value lies in impact rather than duration.
She urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the legacy Ekubo left behind rather than be consumed by grief.
Several Nollywood figures paid emotional tributes at the service. Actress Joyce Kanu, who travelled from Abuja for the burial, described Ekubo as a warm and joyful colleague whose death came as a painful shock.
Actor Stan Nze reflected on the fragility of life, expressing regret that he never had more opportunities to work with Ekubo on screen.
Actress Oluchi Chiana, popularly known as Stainless, remembered him as humble and supportive, particularly toward younger actors, saying his kindness would be deeply missed.
Ekubo rose to prominence through a string of successful Nollywood productions, becoming one of the industry's most sought-after actors and earning widespread recognition for his charisma, versatility, and professionalism.
The funeral drew a wide range of notable attendees, including Nollywood stars Ini Edo and Omoni Oboli, socialite Pretty Mike, and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana.
Also present were former National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, and the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Okereke Ogbonnia, reflecting the broad respect and admiration Ekubo commanded across multiple sectors of society.