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Arochukwu, Abia State
Tears, grief and heartfelt tributes filled the ancient town of Arochukwu, Abia State, on Thursday as Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, popularly known as Alex Ekubo, was laid to rest in his hometown. The actor, who died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40, was buried at his family residence located at 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, bringing a solemn close to his week-long funeral rites.
Ekubo, one of Nigeria's most popular screen actors, died following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after a private battle with the disease. His passing sent shockwaves through Nigeria's entertainment industry and among thousands of fans who had followed his career for more than a decade.
Body Arrives Home In Emotional Procession
The actor's body arrived in Arochukwu on Thursday morning in a convoy, making a brief stop at the palace of the Eze Arochukwu, where the monarch and his chiefs offered prayers over the actor's coffin. Residents of the community joined Nollywood stars and other sympathisers in a procession through the village to honour the late actor.
Emotions ran high when Ekubo's sister sighted the casket. She broke down in tears and had to be restrained as she tried to climb into the ambulance carrying her brother's remains. Many of the mourners wore T-shirts bearing Ekubo's face, while others held his photographs as they paid their last respects.
All-White Funeral Service At Mary Slessor School
A funeral service was held at Mary Slessor School in Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, before the actor was interred at his family compound. As arranged by the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, most mourners wore white to celebrate what they described as "a life beautifully lived and deeply impactful". Photos and videos from the burial showed an all-white theme dominating the ceremony, with the venue decor, caskets, and floral arrangements also reflecting the colour.
One of the most emotional moments came when the actor's casket was brought into the venue. The scene moved many family members and top figures in entertainment and business who travelled to Abia State to pay their respects.
Government, Nollywood Stars Pay Tributes
Representing Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the funeral, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Ekubo's death as a huge loss to Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and fans worldwide.
"The news of Alex's passing came as a profound shock. Today, we mourn not merely an actor, brother and friend, but a creative force, a cultural ambassador and a proud son of Arochukwu whose talent brought honour to Abia State and Nigeria," Ajagba said.
He noted that the late actor was not just an entertainer but also a cultural ambassador who showcased Abia State and Nigeria positively on the global stage. Ajagba added that Ekubo's life reflected the resilience and creativity of Abia youths, noting that he inspired many young people to pursue excellence and carried his roots with pride.
Sermon: Life Measured By Impact, Not Length
Delivering the funeral sermon, the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, urged mourners to focus on building lasting legacies, stressing that the true value of life lies in impact rather than longevity.
She challenged attendees to live purpose-driven lives marked by positive influence and service, noting that people are ultimately remembered for the values they uphold and the lives they touch. The cleric encouraged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the legacy Ekubo left behind rather than be consumed by grief.
Nollywood Colleagues Share Heartfelt Memories
Several Nollywood figures paid emotional tributes at the service. Actress Joyce Kanu, who travelled from Abuja for the burial, described Ekubo as a warm and joyful colleague whose death came as a painful shock.
"It is still a shock. Alex was a brother I loved so much. He always had a smile and a warm spirit. I never imagined I would be attending his burial. My prayer is that God grants his family the strength to bear this painful loss," Kanu said.
Actor Stan Nze reflected on the fragility of life, expressing regret that he never had more opportunities to work with Ekubo on screen. "Ekubo's death is a wake-up call for everybody. Life is fickle. Alex was vibrant, energetic and full of life. You never would have imagined he could pass so soon," he said.
Actress Oluchi Chiana, popularly known as Stainless, remembered him as humble and supportive, particularly toward younger actors. "We lost a rare gem, a colleague and a friend. He was humble, encouraging and always willing to help younger actors. What I will miss most is his humility, laughter, joy and kindness. He was a good man, and his passing has left us deeply saddened," she said.
Notable Attendees And Broad Influence
The funeral drew a wide range of notable attendees, including Nollywood stars Ini Edo and Omoni Oboli, socialite Pretty Mike, and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana). Others present included IK Ogbonna, Mike Godson, AY Makun, Nancy Isime, Bimbo Ademoye, and fashion designer Yomi Casual.
Former National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, and the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Okereke Ogbonnia, were also present, reflecting the broad influence and admiration the late actor commanded across different sectors of society.
Wife's Heartbreaking Graveside Farewell
In a heartbreaking graveside moment, Ekubo's widow, Anwuli Ekubo, who had been married to the actor privately, made her first major public appearance at his Service of Songs before attending his burial. At the gravesite, Anwuli, who was overcome with grief, prayed over her husband's remains and helped place the last fistful of soil on his grave. After her conversation with God, the grieving widow gave her departed partner a final kiss. The moving scene left many social media users in tears, while others praised the impressive strength of the widow.
Bodyguard's Shattering Tribute
During the wake-keep at the family compound on Wednesday evening, the actor's longtime bodyguard, known as "Commando," gave an emotional tribute that moved many present. He described Ekubo as more than an employer, calling him a father figure, mentor, and close friend.
"You were not just my boss; you were my mentor, my big brother, my confidence, one of the most important people in my life," the bodyguard said, struggling to contain his grief. "All day I stayed at the door calling 'Chief Ikuku'. You left me shattered. Your Commando is shattered".
Week-Long Funeral Rites
The funeral activities commenced with a Service of Songs held on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, where colleagues, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his life and career. The event was marked by emotional tributes, prayers, and reflections on the actor's contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Gospel ministers, including Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey, Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs and Kaestrings, ministered at the event. IK Ogbonna delivered an emotional tribute, describing a friendship that went beyond the industry.
A wake-keep was later held at his family's residence on June 17, attended by relatives, community leaders and members of the entertainment industry. Music and dance formed a significant part of the wake, with cultural performances used to honour his memory and reflect Igbo traditions of celebrating life even in moments of grief.
A Legacy Beyond The Screen
Born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria competition in 2010, a feat that opened doors to successful careers in modelling and acting. He made his acting debut in 2005 in Sinners in the House.
Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 film productions and became known for his versatility across romantic dramas, comedies and contemporary African cinema. His notable works include Weekend Getaway, Sugar Rush, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, A Sunday Affair, Hire a Woman, Adanne and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, for which he earned an Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2024.
Before his death, Ekubo had quietly stepped away from public appearances and social media from December 2024 to focus on his health.
Beyond acting, Ekubo distinguished himself through philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives. He attended Federal Government College Daura in Katsina State before proceeding to the University of Calabar, where he studied Law. In 2020, he was recognised among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Top 100 Under 40, while his humanitarian efforts earned him several honours and commendations.
Friends and colleagues have described him as a cheerful, generous and inspiring personality whose impact extended far beyond the screen. As family, friends and fans continue to mourn his passing, many have reflected on the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Reception And Final Farewell
A private reception for guests and community members was held after the burial at Mary Slessor School grounds. A reception followed immediately after the interment at Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, where friends and sympathisers gathered to pay their final respects.
Ekubo is survived by his wife, parents and siblings.