Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo dies at 40 after cancer battle

Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo, aged 40, died on Monday night in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged struggle with cancer. He gained recognition for his performances in Weekend Getaway and Yemi Alade's 2013 music video Johnny, making his acting debut in 2005 with Sinners in the House. Ekubo, a law graduate from the University of Calabar, rose to prominence after participating in Mr Nigeria in 2010. Throughout his career, he garnered nine awards, including Best Actor of the Year in 2016 and Best Lead Actor in 2022 at the Best of Nollywood Awards. In 2020, he was recognized by the UN as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent under 40. In 2021, he received an honorary doctorate from Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin. His contributions to humanitarian efforts earned him the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as Global Social Giving Actor of the Year in 2021. Colleagues, including Funke Akindele, Godwin Nnadiekwe, and filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, expressed their sorrow over his passing. Ekubo's final social media update was in December 2024.