Omoni Oboli announced the release of her film, The First Lady, featuring Alexx Ekubo on June 18, and has since created a flashpoint for debate.
The passing of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo on May 11, 2026, after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer, sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry. His burial on June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu, Abia State, was a sombre affair marked by tributes from colleagues. 
In an emotional video shared on Instagram shortly after the burial, Omoni Oboli paid heartfelt tribute to her “bestie,” describing Alexx as someone who “came, saw, and conquered.”
SEE ALSO: Alex Ekubo’s 10 Most Iconic Movie Roles That Proved His Star Power
She announced that The First Lady, a movie from over a decade ago that sparked their friendship, would stream on her YouTube channel that same day. Omoni Oboli pledged that all proceeds from the film would go directly to Alexx Ekubo’s family.
“Today we are finally laying the body of our amazing bestie, brother, dearest friend to rest late… I’ve struggled with this for a while, but I decided to just do it anyway after speaking to the family, so in honour of his memory, I will be releasing ‘The First Lady’… The whole proceeds will go to the family,” she said.
She also added that Alexx poured his whole heart into that movie and gave it his all, asking people to watch and rewatch.
Many fans and supporters viewed this as a noble, practical gesture. Fans’ calls to stream the movie quickly spread. Users have also encouraged others to watch, like, share, and rewatch to maximize support for the grieving family.
“Grief Is Not Content”
Not everyone saw it as pure. A prominent critic, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, publicly voiced his strong disappointment in Omoni Oboli.
In a widely shared post, he accused Omoni of using the burial as a promotional launchpad for her YouTube channel, even with the proceeds pledged.
“I’m disappointed in Omoni Oboli for using Alexx Ekubo’s burial to promote her movie… Using someone’s death as PR to gain subscribers is disturbing… Grief is not content. A funeral is not a launch event,” Ossai Ovie Success said.
His critique resonated widely. Many echoed that the timing leveraged public emotions for visibility and questioned whether the announcement could have been delayed.
SEE ALSO: Alexx Ekubo Service of Songs Controversy: Mofe Duncan Educates Daddy Freeze
What People are Saying About Omoni Oboli’s The First Lady
Public reactions have been sharply polarised on platforms like X; no side of the debate is winning.
Supportive voices are praising Oboli for channelling grief productively and providing direct help to the family. Many have taken to their pages to promote the movie for the sake of Alex Ekubo’s family: “The First Lady is now streaming… Please watch this movie because the proceeds from it goes to Alex Ekubo’s family 🥹🙏,” one tweeted.
Others think it’s a beautiful way to honour the late actor while highlighting their long friendship.
Critical reactions aligned with Ossai’s view, calling the move insensitive or opportunistic. Some skepticism about using tragedy for promotion surfaced, too.
“This is very insensitive… Must it be now???”
“Many people will cash out from Alex’s death in the pretentious name of keeping his memories alive.”
Some noted that while directing funds to the family is helpful, the precise timing on burial day blurred the line between tribute and marketing.
SEE ALSO: Alexx Ekubo’s Family: Parents, Siblings, and Relationship History
Omoni Oboli’s intent appears rooted in friendship and support, but the criticism highlights cultural sensitivities around authenticity and the commercialization of emotion.
As Omoni Oboli’s The First Lady streams and hopefully aids the family, it is glaring that Alexx touched many lives, and his memory continues to spark meaningful conversation. Rest in peace, Ikuku. May his family find comfort.
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