Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, with family, friends and colleagues gathering to bid him a final farewell.
The funeral drew a large crowd of mourners, including some of Nigeria’s biggest film stars, who travelled from across the country to honour the late actor.
Representing Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the burial, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Ekubo’s death as a significant loss to the state, the entertainment industry and his global fan base.
“The news of Alex’s passing came as a profound shock,” Mr Otti said in a statement read on his behalf.
“Today, we mourn not merely an actor, brother and friend, but a creative force, a cultural ambassador and a proud son of Arochukwu whose talent brought honour to Abia State and Nigeria.”
The governor said the actor’s influence extended beyond entertainment, noting that he helped project the image of Abia State and Nigeria to international audiences through his work.
During the funeral service, the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, Pastor Eno Eze, urged mourners to focus on building meaningful legacies.
“The true measure of life is not its length but its impact,” she said, encouraging people to live purpose-driven lives and leave behind positive examples for others.
Many of Ekubo’s colleagues in the film industry also paid emotional tributes to the late actor.
Actress Joyce Kanu described his death as difficult to comprehend.
“It is still a shock. Alex was a brother I loved so much. He always had a smile and a warm spirit. I never imagined I would be attending his burial,” she said.
“My prayer is that God grants his family the strength to bear this painful loss.”
Actor Stan Nze said the tragedy serves as a reminder of life’s uncertainty.
“Life is fickle. Alex was vibrant, energetic and full of life. You never would have imagined he could pass so soon,” he said.
Actress Oluchi Chiana, popularly known as Stainless, remembered Ekubo as a humble and supportive colleague.
“We lost a rare gem, a colleague and a friend. He was humble, encouraging and always willing to help younger actors,” she said.
“What I will miss most is his humility, laughter, joy and kindness. He was a good man, and his passing has left us deeply saddened.”
Among those who attended the funeral were actresses Ini Edo and Omoni Oboli, socialite Pretty Mike, businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, as well as filmmakers, entertainers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry.
Former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria President Sam Ohuabunwa and Abia State Environmental Protection Agency General Manager Okereke Ogbonnia were also present at the ceremony.
Ekubo, widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, was celebrated for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his role in promoting the country’s entertainment sector over more than a decade.
