Popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, is dead. He was 40.
The actor reportedly died on Monday after battling an undisclosed illness, although his family has yet to officially confirm the cause of death.
News of his passing threw the Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning on Tuesday, with several of his colleagues paying emotional tributes to the late actor on social media.
Leading the tributes, actress Funke Akindele described the news as heartbreaking.
In a post shared on her Instagram story, she wrote: “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. 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.”
Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also mourned the deceased, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Similarly, actor Godwin Nnadiekwe expressed shock over the development, saying the movie industry had lost “a rare soul.”
Born Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, the actor rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before carving a successful career in Nollywood.
Ekubo featured in several hit movies, including Weekend Getaway, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Sugar Rush and Bling Lagosians, earning a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most charismatic screen stars.
Known for his stylish personality and commanding screen presence, the actor remained a fan favourite for over a decade and worked with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian film industry.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by his family regarding funeral arrangements.