A claim made during the burial of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo that his widow may be expecting his child has generated widespread reactions, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the actor’s final rites in Arochukwu, Abia State.
The remark was made when Ekubo’s remains made a brief stop at the palace of the traditional ruler of Arochukwu during the funeral procession.
Although some attendees initially identified the speaker as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, actress Victoria Inyama later clarified in an Instagram comment that the individual was a representative of the monarch.
During his remarks, the representative prayed that the late actor’s lineage would continue, adding that reports suggested Ekubo’s wife. Anwuli, was pregnant.
“We have heard that his wife is carrying his child, and we pray that the child will become even greater than the father,” he said.
The comment, captured in a video that later circulated online, triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some users described the possibility as a final gift from the late actor, others criticised the disclosure of what they considered private family information.
Several commentators argued that such a matter should have remained confidential, especially during a period of mourning.
Widow draws sympathy
Amid the emotional atmosphere surrounding the burial, Ekubo’s widow, Anwuli Ekubo, appeared visibly grief-stricken throughout the ceremony.
Dressed in white and wearing sunglasses and a face mask, she quietly observed proceedings, attracting sympathy from mourners who described the occasion as deeply emotional.
The actor was laid to rest in his hometown of Arochukwu after a series of funeral events that began with a service of songs in Lagos and a wake in Abia State.
‘A cultural ambassador’
Representing Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, described the actor’s death as a major loss to the state, the entertainment industry and his global fan base.
“The news of Alex’s passing came as a profound shock. 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’s message stated.
He said the late actor had projected the image of Abia State and Nigeria to the international community through his work in Nollywood.
Pastor urges mourners to build legacies
Delivering a sermon at the funeral service, the lead pastor of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, Eno Eze, urged mourners to focus on living purposeful lives.
She said people are remembered not by the length of their lives but by the impact they make and the values they leave behind.
The cleric encouraged those present to build enduring legacies through service and positive influence.
Donation announcement divides opinion
Meanwhile, actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli announced that proceeds from “The First Lady”, the first film she made with Ekubo, would be donated to his family.
While many praised the gesture, some critics argued that the announcement should have been delayed until after the burial ceremonies.
Several Nollywood figures attended the funeral, including Ayo Makun, Obi Cubana, Ini Edo, IK Ogbonna, Stan Nze, Yomi Casual, Pretty Mike and Nons Miraj.
Ekubo, who died last month, was buried following days of funeral activities that drew colleagues, friends, fans and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
