Alexx Ekubo: Inside the life, career and final moments of the nollywood star

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo may have kept much of his private life away from the public, but in death, fresh details have continued to emerge about his health battle, career and final moments.

The actor reportedly died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 40 after a private battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer, according to reports and a statement issued by his family.

According to the family, he died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos after suffering complications arising from stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer. The illness, which he reportedly battled quietly for months, was largely hidden from the public. The family described his final days as a brief but courageous struggle, noting that he endured the pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope.

Before news of his death broke, many fans had already expressed concern over his sudden disappearance from social media. His last Instagram post was shared on December 30, 2024, after which he became noticeably absent from public events and online engagements.

Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the late actor hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. He attended Federal Government College, Daura, Katsina State, before proceeding to the University of Calabar, where he studied Law. He later obtained a degree in Mass Communication from Calabar Polytechnic.

Fluent in English, Igbo and Hausa, Ekubo was widely known for his eloquence, fashion sense and strong screen presence, which helped him stand out in Nollywood’s competitive entertainment space.

He first came into national prominence in 2010 after emerging first runner-up at the Mr Nigeria competition, a breakthrough that paved the way for his transition into modelling and acting.

He went on to establish himself as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable stars, featuring in several successful productions including Weekend Getaway, In The Cupboard, Lagos Cougars, Sugar Rush, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Bling Lagosians, The Blood Covenant and A Sunday Affair.

Beyond film roles, he gained wider recognition after appearing in singer Yemi Alade’s hit music video Johnny, which enjoyed massive continental success.

Over the years, Ekubo received several honours for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including awards at the Best of Nollywood Awards, Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards and Screen Nation Awards. In 2020, he was also named among the “Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40” for his impact in entertainment and humanitarian service.

The actor was also involved in youth advocacy and charity initiatives across Nigeria, further expanding his influence beyond the screen.

In his personal life, Ekubo was previously in a public relationship with Fancy Acholonu. Their planned marriage later ended under circumstances that were never fully disclosed publicly.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans and prominent figures in the entertainment industry, many of whom described his death as a painful loss to Nollywood.

As of the time of filing this report, the family had yet to announce burial arrangements for the late actor, stating that details would be communicated in due course.