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Nollywood in Mourning as Alexx Ekubo Dies at 40 After Secret Battle with Kidney Cancer — Funke Akindele, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw Lead Tributes
Alexx Ekubo, the beloved Nollywood actor, passed away on May 12 after a private battle with kidney cancer.
Nollywood has been plunged into grief following the death of award-winning actor Alexx Ekubo, who passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. He was 40 years old. His family has since confirmed that the actor succumbed to kidney cancer, a diagnosis he had kept largely private, choosing to fight the disease away from the public eye.
Ekubo had been absent from social media since December 30, 2024, a silence that had sparked concern among fans. His inner circle maintained a tight wall of privacy around his health struggles, leaving the public unprepared for the devastating news that broke this week.
Veteran actress Kate Henshaw was among the first to react. In a raw post on X, she wrote that she had received terrible news and was "hoping it wasn't true." The message, posted in the early hours of Wednesday, sent a wave of dread across the Nollywood community before official confirmation turned that dread into collective mourning.
The tributes that followed were emotional and far-reaching. Funke Akindele, a longtime colleague and friend, posted a tearful video recalling their time on set together. Rita Dominic described Ekubo as "one of the most effortlessly charismatic actors of our generation." From Genevieve Nnaji to Ramsey Nouah, the outpouring of grief underscored the deep mark Ekubo left on the industry in a career that spanned over a decade.
Born on April 10, 1986, Ekubo rose to prominence as the first runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest, a platform that launched him into Nollywood. He went on to star in over 100 films, including The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Áfàméfùnà, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema. His comic timing, striking presence, and versatility made him a fan favourite across both English and indigenous language productions.
Ekubo's passing is the latest in a series of losses that have shaken Nollywood in recent years. But the grief surrounding this one feels particularly sharp — a star taken in his prime, a man who had so much more to give. His family has requested privacy as they prepare for funeral arrangements, and a candlelight vigil is being planned by his colleagues in Lagos.
Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for more tributes, funeral updates, and continuing coverage of the legacy of Alexx Ekubo.
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