Veteran Nollywood icon Pete Edochie has paid tribute to the late Alexx Ekubo, remembering him as a vibrant and joyful spirit who made a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry. Reflecting on their relationship in an interview with PM News, Edochie shared poignant memories of their brief but meaningful interactions and the unfulfilled plans they had discussed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Despite meeting him only three times, Edochie noted that Ekubo’s warmth left a lasting impression on him. He fondly recounted a memorable visit where Ekubo arrived at his hotel accompanied by a cow and Ogene drummers to personally invite him to an event. Edochie further expressed his sorrow over the loss of the actor, noting that Ekubo had been actively planning for his upcoming 80th birthday celebration, a milestone that will now be marked by his absence.

In his tribute, the veteran actor also commended IK Ogbonna for his unwavering loyalty, highlighting how Ogbonna stood by Ekubo as a steadfast friend during his life and has continued to honor that bond following his passing. Edochie summarized the loss by stating, “Alexx Ekubo came, he saw, and he left an indelible impression. I met him three times… I was told he had big plans for my 80th birthday celebration next year, but unfortunately, he is gone. IK Ogbonna proved himself a true friend, both in life and in death.”

Comic actor Fred Ebere, widely known as Tenkobo, has publicly rebuked Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of the late Nollywood legend John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), for launching an online appeal for financial aid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Appeal: Stella recently appeared in a video shared by influencer King Mitchy, pleading for public support to cover rent and school fees.

• Tenkobo’s Accusation: Ebere, identifying himself as a close associate and family friend, claimed Stella is using her late husband’s reputation to solicit funds unnecessarily.

• Allegations of Asset Mismanagement: Ebere alleged that members of Mr. Ibu’s family sold off his investments, including houses and landed properties, and he challenged them to account for the resulting funds.

• Questioning Dependency: He criticized Stella’s reliance on public charity, questioning why she has not pursued her own livelihood or trade, noting that she had allegedly made similar appeals even while her husband was still alive.

• Defense of Mr. Ibu’s Legacy: Ebere asserted that Mr. Ibu was a responsible investor who planned for his family’s future. He warned potential donors against believing the narrative that the late actor left his family destitute, arguing that such claims unfairly tarnish the late actor’s legacy.

Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, the son of Mount Zion Films founder Mike Bamiloye, has defended his family’s ministry against accusations that it portrays Yoruba culture and spirituality negatively. The criticism surfaced after it was announced that the classic film Agbara Nla would return to cinemas on October 1, 2026, prompting an X user to allege that the ministry has spent decades painting Yoruba traditions as evil while favoring Christianity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In response, Joshua highlighted the following points:

• He stated that Mount Zion Films does not demonize Yoruba culture but instead celebrates its language, proverbs, traditions, colors, and royal heritage.

• He cited the character Abejoye as an example of how a person can maintain deep connections to Yoruba customs and language while embracing Christianity.

• He rejected the claim that the ministry opposes Yoruba culture with a foreign religion, arguing that their films are framed as a conflict between “Light vs. Darkness,” which he noted has no nationality.

• He disputed the critic’s argument regarding the ministry’s output, noting that less than 30% of their 200+ films are set in traditional environments.

• Joshua encouraged the public to watch the films in their entirety to move beyond what he characterized as a narrow lens of cultural grievance.