Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo dies aged 40 after cancer battle
The Nigerian Guild of Editors confirms the death of the Weekend Getaway star, as colleagues pay tribute to his career and social contributions.
Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo has died in a hospital in Lagos at the age of 40, following a prolonged battle with cancer. The award-winning star, known for his roles in Weekend Getaway and significant humanitarian efforts, passed away on Monday night. While his family and management have not yet issued a formal statement, the Nigerian Guild of Editors confirmed the death to the BBC, describing the industry as being in shock.
Ekubo was best known for his performance in the film Weekend Getaway and his appearance in the 2013 music video Johnny by Yemi Alade. He made his acting debut in the 2005 production Sinners in the House and gained prominence after competing in the Mr Nigeria competition in 2010. He held a law degree from the University of Calabar before establishing himself as a leading figure in Nollywood.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans, with fellow actor Funke Akindele posting a message on social media that read, "Rest in Peace Alex." Akindele, who acted alongside Ekubo in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto - The Saga, noted that she had tried to reach out to him recently. Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first film role, described the passing as devastating and unbelievable.
The actor received nine major awards during his career, including Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013, Best Actor of the Year in 2016, and Best Lead Actor in 2022. In 2018, Nigeria’s First Lady presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was also inducted into the UN’s Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40 in 2020.
Ekubo was widely recognised for his humanitarian work, receiving the Nigerian National Award of Excellence for Global Social Giving Actor of the Year in 2021. In 2022, he received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin. His final social media post appeared in December 2024, prior to which he had stepped away from the platform.
