Alex Ekubo Laid to Rest in Abia as Family, Fans and Colleagues Honour His Legacy

There were tears, prayers and heartfelt tributes on Thursday as family members, friends, colleagues and admirers gathered in Arochukwu, Abia State, to bid a final farewell to celebrated Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, who was laid to rest at the age of 40.

The actor, fondly known as “Chief Ikuku,” was buried at his family compound in Aziukwu Ujari Village, Arochukwu, bringing to a close weeks of mourning that followed his death after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

His passing on May 11, 2026, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond, with colleagues and fans struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of Nollywood’s most recognisable and charismatic stars.

Earlier in the week, the actor’s remains arrived at his family residence ahead of a wake-keep held on Wednesday night. The solemn gathering attracted relatives, friends, community leaders and a host of Nollywood personalities who travelled to Abia State to pay their last respects.

Among those present were fellow actors and close friends, including Ini Edo, IK Ogbonna, Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, Ayo Makun, Mike Godson and Yomi Casual, among many others.

Videos and photographs from the funeral ceremonies captured emotional scenes as mourners struggled to hold back tears while reflecting on the actor’s life, career and enduring impact on those who knew him.

The funeral service and reception were held at Mary Slessor School Field in Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, before the final interment at the family residence. Guests dressed in white, in keeping with the family's chosen theme of celebrating a life that, though brief, left an enduring mark on countless lives.

Throughout the ceremonies, tributes flowed freely from colleagues who remembered Ekubo not only for his success on screen but also for his kindness, generosity and ability to light up every room he entered.

At an earlier service of songs held in Lagos, close friend IK Ogbonna delivered one of the most emotional tributes of the mourning period, saying: “I only wish you were alive to witness the love people are showing you right now.”

Born Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke, the actor rose to prominence after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr. Nigeria competition before building a successful acting career that spanned more than a decade. He appeared in numerous films and became one of Nollywood’s most admired leading men, known for his charm, versatility and strong connection with fans.

Following his death, the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family described him as a beloved son, brother, husband, friend and colleague whose life was defined by love, warmth, generosity and unwavering faith. They also thanked Nigerians and supporters around the world for the overwhelming outpouring of prayers, visits, messages and support during their time of grief.

As the final prayers were said and the actor was committed to mother earth in the quiet community of Arochukwu, a profound sense of loss hung in the air.

For many in Nollywood and beyond, Alex Ekubo's death is more than the loss of a talented actor; it is the painful farewell to a vibrant personality whose smile, humour and presence touched countless lives.

Though his journey ended far too soon, those gathered in his hometown on Thursday were united in one belief: that his legacy, his work and the memories he created will continue to live on long after the curtains have fallen.