The Nigerian entertainment industry has been plunged into a state of profound mourning following the confirmed passing of the celebrated actor and model, Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke. The award-winning star, known professionally as Alex Ekubo, died at the age of 40 following a courageous battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
The Ekubo-Okwaraeke family announced the transition in a formal statement released on Wednesday, 13th May 2026. The family conveyed the loss of their “beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend” with deep sorrow, noting that he passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.
According to the official communique, the actor faced his diagnosis with the same resilience that defined his professional career.
“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the statement read.
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the public but appealed for privacy and prayers as they navigate this period of immense grief. Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated in due course.
Born on 10th April 1986, Ekubo first captured the national spotlight in 2010 when he emerged as the first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria pageant. This debut served as a springboard into a prolific career within Nollywood, where he became one of the industry’s most recognisable and versatile leading men.
Over the past decade and a half, Ekubo garnered numerous accolades for his performances in high-profile films and television series. Beyond his artistic contributions, he was frequently lauded for his humanitarian efforts and his role as a mentor to younger creatives in the Nigerian film space.
Initial reports of his passing on 12th May sent shockwaves through social media, with fans and colleagues initially hoping the news was a fabrication. Since the family’s confirmation, tributes have flooded in from across the continent, with many describing Ekubo as a consummate professional and a beacon of talent.
His untimely departure at the height of his career leaves a significant void in the African cinematic landscape. He is remembered not only as a gifted performer but as a man of enduring faith whose impact extended far beyond the silver screen.
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