Nigerian actor and model Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40, according to local media reports and tributes from colleagues across Nigeria’s film industry.
Ekubo reportedly passed away Monday night at a hospital in Lagos following a long battle with cancer, though his family and management had not yet released an official statement as of Tuesday.
The actor was widely recognized in Nollywood for his performances in films including Weekend Getaway and for appearing in the 2013 music video for Yemi Alade’s hit song Johnny. Over the course of his career, he earned multiple awards for acting as well as recognition for humanitarian work.
Tributes poured in from fellow actors, filmmakers and fans after news of his death spread online.
Actress and producer Funke Akindele, who starred alongside Ekubo in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto: The Saga, described the loss as deeply painful.
“I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best,” she wrote on social media. “You kept telling me you are fine.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe called the news “heart-breaking,” while filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen — who reportedly gave Ekubo his first film role — described his death as “devastating and unbelievable.”
Born on April 10, 1986, in Nigeria’s Rivers State, Ekubo studied law at the University of Calabar before rising to prominence after competing in the Mr Nigeria contest in 2010.
He made his acting debut in the 2005 production Sinners in the House and later became one of Nollywood’s most recognizable stars. In 2013, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Weekend Getaway.
Ekubo received several honors throughout his career, including Best Actor of the Year at the 2016 Best of Nollywood Awards and Best Lead Actor in 2022. In 2018, Nigeria’s first lady presented him with a special recognition award for contributions to the entertainment industry.
In 2020, he was named among the UN-backed Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 for his work in entertainment and social development. He also received recognition from several humanitarian organizations for his charity work and advocacy efforts.
Ekubo had largely stepped away from public life in recent years, with his last social media post appearing in December 2024, fueling speculation about his health.
The actor also drew media attention in 2021 after his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu ended months before their planned wedding.