The news of his death was confirmed on Tuesday by fellow actors Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Godwin Nnadiekwe, who each shared heartfelt tributes on social media.
Read more: Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Passes Away at 40Akindele, in a post on her Instagram story, 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. Rest in Peace, Alex.
From the United States, Ninalowo also mourned Ekubo, posting, Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.
Nnadiekwe expressed his grief, saying, “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m at a loss for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — It’s heartbreaking, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.
As of the time of this report, Ekubo’s family has not yet released an official statement on his passing.
In recent months, fans had voiced concerns about Ekubo’s wellbeing, especially following his long absence from social media since December 30, 2024. A recent viral video, posted by user @AsakyGRN on X (formerly Twitter), showed Ekubo reappearing in public for the first time, interacting with children and appearing noticeably slimmer and subdued. The video prompted an outpouring of emotional reactions from fans, who remarked on the actor’s changed appearance and speculated about his health.
Prior to his death, Ekubo was open about his decision to focus on his career rather than marriage. In January 2023, his former partner, US-based model Fancy Acholonu, revealed in an interview that the couple dated for five years without intimacy. Acholonu called off their wedding in December 2021 but later apologized to Ekubo and expressed lingering feelings for him, saying, “Nothing makes sense when we’re apart @alexxekubo you still have my heart. I miss you, I love you, and I’m truly sorry for all the hurt & pain you and your family went through with our breakup.” She admitted her actions were out of character and that she could have handled her emotions better.
Ekubo, for his part, addressed public curiosity about his single status, stating on Instagram that he was more focused on building his career and urged people not to be concerned about his marital life.
