Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has died at the age of 40 following a prolonged battle with stage 4 liver cancer. The news broke on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, sending shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry. Ekubo, known for his romantic roles in over 100 films, passed away on May 11 in Lagos.
His death marks the end of a nearly two-decade career that made him one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces.
Filmmaker Sam Olatunji first announced the death on Facebook, sparking an immediate outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across the country and diaspora. The family has not yet released an official statement, and some conflicting reports mentioned kidney cancer, though liver cancer appears to be the confirmed cause.
Ekubo had been notably silent on social media for months, with his last post recorded in December 2024, a silence that now makes heartbreaking sense.
Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, though he hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State.
He was the second of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Ekubo Snr. His father is deceased, and his mother, Jane Ekubo, survives him. He had three siblings, two sisters and one brother, whose names have been kept private to protect the family’s privacy. Growing up, Ekubo showed early signs of ambition and charisma that would later define his career.
He attended Federal Government College Daura in Katsina State, where he completed his secondary education. Afterward, he pursued a law degree at the University of Calabar, earning an LL.B in Law.
He went further to obtain a Diploma in Law from Calabar Law School. Despite his legal qualifications, Ekubo’s heart was clearly in the arts, and he chose entertainment over the courtroom.
His entry into the limelight came in 2010 when he emerged as the first runner-up at the Mr. Nigeria pageant.
The competition gave him visibility and opened doors in modeling and acting. Though he did not win the crown, the platform launched what would become a storied career in Nollywood. His good looks, charm, and screen presence made him an instant favourite among directors and audiences alike.
Ekubo made his acting debut in 2005 with the film Sinners in the House, years before his pageant fame. However, it was after Mr. Nigeria that his career truly took off.
He quickly became typecast as the romantic lead, the lover boy who could win hearts with a smile. He embraced the role and delivered memorable performances across dozens of films. His ability to play the charming, sometimes mischievous romantic interest became his signature.
Some of his most notable films include Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, A Lot Like Love, The Bling Lagosians, Superstar, and A Sunday Affair.
These films showcased his range within the romantic and comedy genres, and he became a staple in productions targeting young, urban audiences. His on-screen chemistry with co-stars often became talking points, and he built a loyal fan base that followed his career closely.
In 2012, Ekubo won the Most Promising Actor award at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards, a recognition of his rising influence in the industry. A year later, in 2013, he won Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
These accolades cemented his place among Nollywood’s leading men and proved that his appeal went beyond good looks. He could act, and he could carry a film.
Beyond acting, Ekubo worked as a model and compere, hosting events and appearing in brand campaigns. His versatility made him a sought-after talent across the entertainment spectrum.
He featured in over 100 Nollywood films during his career, a testament to his work ethic and popularity. Whether in lead or supporting roles, he brought energy and professionalism to every project.
Ekubo never married. In 2021, he got engaged to Fancy Acholonu, and the news excited fans who had followed his love life from a distance. Wedding plans were underway, and the couple shared their joy publicly. However, in August 2021, just months before the wedding, the engagement was called off. Neither party gave detailed reasons, and Ekubo returned to his private nature regarding relationships. After the breakup, he kept his dating life strictly out of the public eye. There is no public record of him having children.
His family life remained largely shielded from the media. While his mother, Jane Ekubo, occasionally appeared in tributes and social media posts, his siblings stayed out of the spotlight.
Ekubo respected their privacy and rarely spoke about them in interviews. He was known to be close to his family, particularly his mother, and often expressed gratitude for their support throughout his career.
In the months leading up to his death, Ekubo’s absence from public life became noticeable. Fans wondered why the usually active actor had gone quiet.
His last social media post in December 2024 gave no indication of illness, which made the news of his death all the more shocking. It is now understood that he had been battling stage 4 liver cancer, a fight he chose to keep private.
The announcement of his death has left Nollywood and his fans in mourning. Tributes have flooded social media, with colleagues sharing photos, videos, and memories of working with him.
Many described him as kind, professional, and full of life. Directors praised his dedication, while co-stars remembered his humor and warmth on set. Fans have been rewatching his films and posting scenes that meant something to them.
Ekubo’s death is a significant loss to Nollywood. He represented a generation of actors who helped modernize the industry’s image, blending talent with style and professionalism. His work reached millions across Nigeria, Africa, and the diaspora. He leaves behind a filmography that will continue to entertain and inspire.
No funeral arrangements have been announced. The family is expected to release a formal statement in the coming days. Until then, the industry waits, grieves, and remembers a man who gave so much to Nigerian cinema….See More
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