Alexx Ekubo: Why Nollywood is mourning ‘Ladies’ Men’ actor

BY ORJI ONYEKWERE

The entire entertainment industry is still in mourning mood over the death of actor Alexx Ekubo. The news of his sudden death sipped into the social media early this week. To say that people were shocked over the sudden death of the 40-year actor is an understatement.

But, what was more painful is that the actor died of advanced metastatic kidney cancer (stage 4 kidney cancer) which most of his fans and colleagues were oblivious of.

Alexx according to friends and those who knew him, chose to bore his pain alone. He suffered in silence. He never wanted to bother anyone. Even to his closet friends, he kept assuring them that he was okay, while he gradually faded away in pain.

The shock over his death could be seen in the testimonies of some of his colleagues.

Former beauty queen and actress Regina Askia, shared a very touching encounter she had with late Ekubo.

She described Ekubo’s death as very painful and wondered why he never opened up about his sickness. The actress who is based in the USA, recollect how Alexx Ekubo bailed her out in what would have been an embarrassing situation. Noting that out of respect, late Ekubo used to call her mummy and she saw him as her son.

She narrates: “A life that touched many. A legacy that lives forever. Rest well my son

There are some people whose presence fills a room before they even speak.

“Alexx Ekubo was one of those rare souls. A perfectionist. A quintessential actor. Quick-witted, humble, effortlessly charming and always the life of the party.

“I still remember organizing a show in Nigeria when many of the hired professionals simply did not show up. The event was on the brink of collapsing. But Alexx came through – not only did he show up, he arrived with a whole retinue of friends, energy, laughter, and life.

“He became MC extraordinaire that night and transformed what could have been a disaster into something joyful, memorable, and alive.

“He took me around Lagos after I had been away for such a long time. He reintroduced me to my turf with genuine love, admiration, and respect. He called me “Mother,” and I proudly called him “Son.”

“When I introduced him to Big Rudy as “our Nigerian son,” Big Rudy laughed and said, “Cool… as long as I don’t have to pay child support.” And from that moment, their own beautiful witty friendship began. Alex was everybody’s friend.

“Our last exchange still sits heavy on my heart. I was annoyed by his silence, not realizing he was carrying pain privately. That was Alex, deeply private, dignified, and never wanting to burden others with his struggles. Even in suffering, he chose silence.

“He could have reached out. He could have come over for specialized care. But he remained quietly himself until the very end.

“And now, at just 40 years old, a bright light has gone out far too soon. Thank you for the laughter. Thank you for the loyalty. Thank you for the memories.

“Thank you for the joy you brought into every room and every life you touched. Rest well, my Son. You will never be forgotten”.

Actress Kate Henshaw also shared a wonderful experience she had with the actor:

“You showed up for me when my mum passed away 2 years ago, you showed up. We chatted when I noticed your absence on SM and you said you were fine.

“I wanted a chance to repay you for your kindness at that time, but not like this, Alex.

“I pray God accepts your soul and comforts your loved ones left behind”

This is just a few testimonials from colleagues that define the man Alex Ekubo: kind, friendly, caring and approachable. One of his colleagues even described him as everybody’s friend.

The outpour of love and tribute grossly described how much Alexx Ekubo was loved and how he carried his burden without disturbing the world. Alexx was loved by all who came in contact him and he was always willing to help.

According to actor Mofe Duncan, Ekubo had the aura and was lived by everybody that came across him

Mofe: “You had an aura, so many memories with you Bro, grateful to God that He allowed you share your gift & light with the world.

“I always pride myself as being the nicest actor to the crew members on set, but many times I was informed you “out-niced” me. And I didn’t argue with it, neither was I surprised”

Alexx Ekubo’s journey into entertainment and fame started with his participation in Mr Nigeria in 2010, where he finished as the first runner up. This served as a springboard for him to join the Nigeria movie industry where he immediately made his mark

He made his acting debut in a minor role with the movie Sinners in the House (2005), but his breakthrough role came in 2010 with the movie Ladies Men. He has featured in several movies which include: Weekend Getaway, Blazing Heart, Lagos Cougars, Hire a Woman, In the Cupboard, Dream Walker, The First Lady, Fate of Alakada, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Sugar Rush among many others

Alex who hailed from Arochukwu, Abia State, was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He speaks English, Igbo and Hausa fluently.

Ekubo came from a family where they placed priority on education. He was a graduate of Law from the University of Calabar. He also had a diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic, Calabar, giving him strong educational foundation before moving into the creative arts.

On his private life, Alex Ekubo made the headlines after his proposed marriage to Fancy Acholonu an American born model whom he dated for five years collapsed few months before the wedding.

In May 2021, the pair announced their engagement and planned a grand wedding tagged #FalexxForever. However, in a move that shocked fans, the wedding was cancelled just three months before the ceremony in November 2021. The split remained a subject of public conversation for several years following various social media discussions.