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Alex Ekubo biography and cause of death can be accessed here on Ejes Gist News
Lagos – The late Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke, known to millions simply as Alex Ekubo, reportedly passed away on May 11 or 12, 2026, at the age of 40. His family has since confirmed that he died from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.
The news sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and industry leaders who remembered him as a gifted actor, humanitarian, and one of Nollywood‘s most charismatic leading men.
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Alex Ekubo biography: Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke |
| Stage Name | Alex Ekubo |
| Born | April 10, 1986 |
| Died | May 11/12, 2026 (aged 40) |
| Place of Birth | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Arochukwu, Abia State |
| Education | Law degree (University of Calabar), Mass Communication diploma, Theatre Arts degree |
| Occupation | Actor, model, humanitarian, MC, producer |
| Years Active | 2005–2026 |
| Known For | Weekend Getaway, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Bling Lagosians |
| Cause of Death | Advanced metastatic kidney cancer |
| Spouse | Not publicly disclosed (family statement referred to him as “beloved husband”) |
| Notable Awards | Nine career awards, including Best of Nollywood (2016, 2022), BEFFTA, and MIPAD honoree |
Early Life and Education
Alex Ekubo was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family. He hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State, but grew up in various parts of Nigeria, which exposed him to diverse cultures and languages.
According to his official biography, Ekubo spoke three languages fluently: English, Igbo, and Hausa. This multilingual ability helped him adapt easily to different social and professional circles.
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Educational Background
| Institution | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Federal Government College, Daura | Secondary education |
| Calabar Polytechnic | Diploma in Mass Communication |
| University of Calabar | Law degree |
| University of Calabar | Theatre Arts degree (2015) |
Initially trained as a lawyer, Ekubo studied Law at the University of Calabar and also earned a diploma in Mass Communication. However, his passion for storytelling and performance led him to return to the university in 2015 to earn a degree in Theatre Arts — a decision that refined the talent that would later make him a household name.
Rise to Fame: The Mr Nigeria Breakthrough
Before becoming a Nollywood star, Ekubo first gained national attention in 2010 when he emerged as the first runner-up at the Mr Nigeria competition.
The pageantry breakthrough opened doors to modeling and acting opportunities, setting the stage for his entry into Nollywood.
Early Acting Career
Ekubo made his acting debut in 2005 with a minor role in the film Sinners in the House. However, his major breakthrough came with the movie Weekend Getaway, for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013.
He also gained widespread visibility through his appearance in Yemi Alade’s 2013 music video for the hit song “Johnny”.
Nollywood Career: Notable Films and Accolades
Over the course of his career, Ekubo appeared in more than 100 films, establishing himself as one of Nollywood’s most bankable and versatile actors. He was particularly known for his roles in romantic comedies, dramas, and action films.
Notable Film Credits
| Film | Year |
|---|---|
| Sinners in the House | 2005 |
| Weekend Getaway | 2012 |
| Ladies Men | Early career role |
| Okafor’s Law | 2016 |
| The Bling Lagosians | 2019 |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | 2020 |
| A Sunday Affair | 2021 |
| Aina | — |
| Lagos Cougars | — |
| Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story | — |
| Hire a Woman | — |
| Adanne | 2026 (posthumous release) |
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Ekubo won nine major awards:
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Weekend Getaway) |
| 2014 | BEFFTA (London) | Nollywood Rising Star |
| 2014 | Screen Nation Film & TV Awards (London) | Favourite Male African International Emerging Screen Talent |
| 2015 | Nigerian Teen Choice Awards | Outstanding TV Personality |
| 2016 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actor of the Year |
| 2016 | Nigerian Model Achievers Award | Model Actor of the Year |
| 2018 | Nigerian First Lady’s Award | Special Recognition Award |
| 2022 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Lead Actor |
| 2022 | Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival | Best Actor of the Year |
In 2024, he was nominated for an AMVCA for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Áfàméfùnà.
Beyond Acting: Humanitarian Work and International Recognition
Ekubo’s influence extended far beyond the movie screen. He was a philanthropist, motivational speaker, brand ambassador, and master of ceremonies.
MIPAD Recognition (2020)
In 2020, he was inducted into the United Nations’ Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Top 100 Under 40 list for his contributions to entertainment and social development.
Honorary Doctorate (2021)
In 2021, the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion (ISCG University) in Benin conferred on him an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture.
Accepting the award, he said: “Tonight is very special and dear to my heart because it’s coming at quite a time.”
Nigerian National Award of Excellence (2021)
He also received the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year for his charity work.
Sapio Club Recognition
Ekubo was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Sapio Club — a Nigeria-based community proposing solutions to social and national issues — for his contributions, including humanitarian work.
Personal Life
Multilingual Ability
Ekubo spoke three languages fluently: English, Igbo, and Hausa.
Engagement and Breakup
In 2021, Ekubo briefly courted controversy when his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu ended about three months before their planned wedding. The breakup was highly publicised and became a subject of media discussion.
Private Health Battle
In the years leading up to his death, Ekubo gradually withdrew from public view. His last social media post appeared in December 2024, sparking concern among fans. Some colleagues reassured the public that he had simply stepped away from the pressures of social media, but few knew he was quietly facing a serious health battle.
Occasional public appearances showed a noticeable weight loss, fuelling further speculation.
Family Statement on Marital Status
The family’s official statement referred to Ekubo as a “beloved husband,” indicating he was married at the time of his death, though the identity of his spouse was not publicly disclosed.
Cause of Death: Family Confirm Cause of Death
Initial Speculation
Shortly after news of his death emerged, several reports claimed that Ekubo had been battling stage 4 liver cancer and had undergone a liver transplant. These reports were widely circulated on social media.
Family’s Official Statement
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the family released a statement on Ekubo’s official Instagram page (@Alexekubo), which read:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.”
“After a brief but courageous battle, Alex passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.”
“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world.”
The family requested privacy and prayers and indicated that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Clarification: Kidney Cancer, Not Liver Cancer
The family’s statement categorically clarified that Ekubo died from kidney cancer, not liver cancer as had been speculated in earlier reports.
Tributes from Colleagues
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across Nollywood:
Funke Akindele
“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. ‘Ore mi’, like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together.”
Godwin Nnadiekwe
“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. Rest well, my friend.”
Bolanle Ninalowo
“Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Lancelot Imasuen
The filmmaker who gave Ekubo his first film role described his passing as “devastating and unbelievable.”
Other Celebrities Who Mourned Him
- AY Makun
- Omoni Oboli
- Mo Abudu
- Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
- Kate Henshaw
- Yvonne Jegede
- Ruth Kadiri
- Yul Edochie
- Peter Okoye
Legacy
Ekubo’s journey from Mr Nigeria pageantry to Nollywood stardom remains an inspiring story of talent, discipline, and perseverance.
He belonged to a generation of entertainers who successfully bridged modelling, pageantry, and serious acting, proving that charisma and substance could coexist.
Through his work, he helped shape contemporary Nollywood and contributed to the global recognition of African cinema.
Though his life was cut short at just 40, his legacy lives on through the films he created, the lives he touched, and the inspiration he provided to aspiring actors and young Africans across the continent.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 10, 1986 | Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State |
| 2005 | Acting debut in Sinners in the House |
| 2010 | First runner-up at the Mr Nigeria competition |
| 2013 | Won Best Supporting Actor for Weekend Getaway; appeared in Yemi Alade’s “Johnny” video |
| 2015 | Returned to university to earn a Theatre Arts degree |
| 2018 | Received Special Recognition Award from the Nigerian First Lady |
| 2020 | Inducted into MIPAD Top 100 Under 40 |
| 2021 | Engagement to Fancy Acholonu ended; received honorary doctorate |
| December 2024 | Last social media post |
| May 11/12, 2026 | Passed away at Evercare Hospital, Lagos |
| May 13, 2026 | Family confirmed cause of death (advanced metastatic kidney cancer) |
Quick Facts Recap
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke |
| Stage Name | Alex Ekubo |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1986 |
| Date of Death | May 11/12, 2026 |
| Age at Death | 40 |
| Place of Birth | Port Harcourt, Rivers State |
| Hometown | Arochukwu, Abia State |
| Education | Law (UNICAL), Theatre Arts (UNICAL), Mass Communication diploma |
| Languages | English, Igbo, Hausa |
| Occupation | Actor, model, humanitarian, MC |
| Years Active | 2005–2026 |
| Film Credits | 100+ |
| Major Awards | 9 |
| Notable Honours | MIPAD honoree (2020), Honorary Doctorate (2021), Nigerian National Award of Excellence (2021) |
| Cause of Death | Advanced metastatic kidney cancer |
| Place of Death | Evercare Hospital, Lagos |
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