For over a year, the absence of Alex Ekubo from Nigerian social media had been a quiet, persistent worry sitting in the back of Nollywood’s mind. His last Instagram post was December 30, 2024. No explanation. No farewell. Just silence where there used to be warmth.
Alex Ekubo, one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, died on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.
The news broke on Tuesday afternoon and tore through the Nigerian entertainment industry like something nobody had built a defence for. Because nobody had. 
What the Industry Said
The reactions from fellow celebrities came quickly and they came raw.
Funke Akindele posted a message on her Instagram story that did not try to dress up the pain. “I really tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace Alex. Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. REST IN PEACE ALEX.”
Pere Egbi posted simply: “Some people are fighting silently. Check on your friends. We all have busy lives. But always check up on your friends. RIP Alex. I hope this isn’t real. I hope so. I really hope so. I really really hope so. Jesus.”
Do2dtun shared that he had spoken to Alex as recently as May 27 last year — a 33-minute video call. “He wanted to take a break from everything and he was well, bubbly and happy. I thought it best to respect that even when I see what everyone was writing. The pressure sometimes can make you step away and it’s okay but this. This can’t be it. I refuse to believe this.”
Rita Dominic posted two broken heart emojis and said nothing else. Sometimes that is all the words there are.
Uche Jombo wrote: “Mercy oh Lord.”
Kate Henshaw: “I just heard a terrible news!! Father Lord plsssss.”
Linda Ejiofor: “ohhhh nooo.”
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe wrote: “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m completely lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, it’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and all of us.”
Kunle Remi: Ikuku The Breeze…… Your Caption says it all.You walked this earth with GRACE, KINDNESS, PEACE, LOVE.And everything in between.Thanks for sharing you with us.This REALLY Hurts Bro!I checked on you…
I still spoke about you yesterday…A GOOD MAN!In everything,JESUS IS LORD!God is taking care of you.Bask in His peace.
The Silence That Preceded It
In 2025, actor Stanley Ontop publicly dismissed rumours that Alex was seriously ill, saying he had simply stepped away from social media because it had become too toxic for him. People believed it because they wanted to. Because the alternative was too heavy to hold.
Actor IK Ogbonna had also shared a video showing Alex at a family gathering, saying he was present, healthy, and had simply chosen to take a break from public life.
The people closest to him protected his privacy until the end. That says everything about the kind of person he was, and the kind of friends he had.
As of the time of publishing, Alex Ekubo’s family had yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Nollywood is grieving tonight. And somewhere in that grief is the reminder Do2dtun and Pere Egbi both said out loud — check on your people. Not when it is convenient. Not when they post. Especially when they go quiet.
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