Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Dies at 40, Colleague Says 'This Wasn't the Plan'

Tributes are pouring in for the popular movie star, who had been noticeably absent from social media in recent months.

Alex Ekubo, one of Nollywood's most beloved actors, has passed away at the age of 40.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday by fellow actors Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Godwin Nnadiekwe, who all took to social media to share their grief.

Akindele posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram story, writing: "Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I 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."

Ninalowo, who is currently in the United States, also mourned the loss: "Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all."

But it was Nnadiekwe's words that painted the most painful picture. Clearly shaken, he wrote: "I'm struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I'm lost for words because this wasn't the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — it's heartbreaking, I can't quite describe. Rest well, my friend."

As of now, the actor's family has not released any official statement.

Concerns had been growing

Just weeks ago, fans had voiced concerns after Ekubo resurfaced in a video following months of silence on social media. He had not posted on Instagram since December 30, 2024.

In the viral clip, which showed him interacting with a group of children, he appeared noticeably thinner and more subdued than usual. Many followers took to the comments to ask if he was okay.

A complicated love life

Before his passing, Ekubo had made headlines for his candid views on marriage and relationships. In January 2023, his ex-fiancée, US-based model Fancy Acholonu, made the surprising claim that they had dated for five years without any intimacy.

The couple had called off their wedding in December 2021. Acholonu later apologized, writing at the time: "I miss you, I love you, and I'm truly sorry for all the hurt & pain you and your family went through with our breakup."

But Ekubo seemed focused elsewhere. In response to public curiosity about why he wasn't married, the actor once said he was far more interested in making money, urging people not to worry about his relationship status.

He leaves behind a career spanning over a decade, with dozens of films that made him a household name across Nigeria and beyond.