reports that Ekubo died on Monday night at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, after a battle with liver cancer. He was 40 years old.

His passing was confirmed on Tuesday by former Big Brother Naija star and Director of Communication of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Boma Akpore, who told Vanguard that the actor’s remains had been moved to Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi.

Colleagues have continued to express shock and grief over the loss. Fellow actor Godwin Nnadiekwe described the news as heartbreaking in a post on Instagram, saying he struggled to find the right words to express his pain.

Veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first acting role, also described the death as “devastating and unbelievable,” recalling how he introduced the late actor into Nollywood.

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues, celebrities, and fans across the entertainment industry.

Actress Funke Akindele remembered their close relationship and the affectionate nickname “Ore mi” which Ekubo often used for her.

Other celebrities, including Bolanle Ninalowo, Peter Okoye, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Mo Abudu, Kate Henshaw, Yvonne Jegede, Kunle Remi, and Ruth Kadiri, also paid tribute to the late actor.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described Ekubo as a “rare talent,” while broadcaster Oseni Rufai simply wrote, “Rest well Alex.”

Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. He was widely recognised for his charisma and strong screen presence, becoming one of Nollywood’s most prominent figures over the past decade.

In 2020, the United Nations named him among the “Most Influential People of African Descent under 40” in recognition of his contributions to entertainment and social development.

reports that in a heartfelt Instagram post, Uchemba said he believes Alex Ekubo belonged to Jesus and has now returned to his maker. He noted that the most important phase of a person’s life is the final years on earth, adding that he was glad the late actor spent his last moments closer to God.

He further expressed faith that they would meet again someday, while also sharing a lighthearted message, asking Alex to greet his late mother in heaven.

Despite the painful loss, Uchemba said he would not cry over his friend’s passing, explaining that he sees it as an escape from the struggles of the world.

He wrote: “This is not the end brother because we don’t really die, we just transition 😊 Alex belongs to Jesus and Jesus has taken his baby 😊 The most important time of a man’s life is his last few years on earth and I am happy you spent yours more in the presence of your maker. Till we meet again brother.

“Ehen, say hi to my mum bro… you might not recognize her again cos she looks very young now, but just look out for whoever is going around heaven shouting ‘Jehovah bu EZE’ (Jesus is King) cos that’s her favorite word 😂😂😂 and ask Solomon where em hide all the gold and money he acquired, we still day find am 😂 I no go cry for you oo. Cos your smart head done leave us for this nonsense world escape. Igbo boy 😂😂😂. Rest Easy my man. Bye for now.”

The actor was said to have died on Monday at a hospital in Lagos after a prolonged struggle with illness.

Reacting to the news, Blessing CEO took to her Instagram page to express grief over his passing, while also venting anger over the disease believed to have caused his death.

Sharing a photo of the late actor, she wrote: “God will punish cancer. We waited for u to show up. You fought silently. Rest in peace.”

Her reaction appeared to reference her previous public claims about battling stage 4 cancer, which had sparked widespread controversy on social media.

Recall that in March 2026, Blessing CEO appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance, claiming she was undergoing chemotherapy for stage 4 breast cancer.

She had also shared what she described as a medical report to support her claims and solicit public support.

However, the situation later generated backlash after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State chapter, accused her of allegedly tampering with another patient’s medical report.

The association claimed the document originated from Xinus Medical Diagnostics and was signed by consultant pathologist, Dr. O.A. Odigwe, but was allegedly altered.

The NMA’s allegation raised questions about the authenticity of her cancer claims.

Following the controversy, social media critic VeryDarkMan reportedly petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, calling for an investigation into the matter, a petition said to have been approved by the Inspector-General of Police.

The incident sparked intense debate online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability over the alleged misuse of medical documents.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Alex Ekubo as fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders mourn his passing and celebrate his contributions to Nollywood.