Family members, friends, colleagues and admirers gathered in Arochukwu, Abia State, on Thursday to pay their final respects to Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who was laid to rest weeks after his death at the age of 40.
The funeral service took place at Mary Slessor School in Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, before the late actor was interred at his family residence in Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village.
The burial marked the conclusion of a series of funeral activities that began with a service of songs in Lagos and a wake held in his hometown on Wednesday.
Mourners dressed largely in white as they gathered to celebrate the life of the actor, whose death on May 11 sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Videos and photographs from the ceremony showed an emotional atmosphere as relatives, associates and colleagues paid tribute to the actor’s legacy. Many celebrities and actors were in attendance including Nancy Isime, I.K Ogbonna, Bimbo Ademoye, Mike Ezuruonye, and many more.
Ekubo’s family had earlier disclosed that the actor died following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after what they described as a courageous battle with the illness.
In a funeral announcement released by the family, the late actor was remembered as a man whose life was defined by “love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received since his passing.
Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, the actor rose to national prominence after emerging first runner-up at the Mr Nigeria pageant in 2010. He later established himself as one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, earning a reputation for his charm, versatility and screen presence.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Ekubo appeared in numerous successful films and television productions, including Weekend Getaway, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, A Sunday Affair, The Blood Covenant and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story. His performances earned him several awards and nominations, including recognition as one of Nollywood’s most promising actors.
Beyond acting, Ekubo was known for his humanitarian work and youth advocacy efforts. He frequently supported charitable initiatives and used his platform to promote social causes, earning recognition for both his entertainment career and philanthropic contributions.
His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, filmmakers, fans and public figures across the country, many of whom described him as a talented performer, loyal friend and positive influence within the Nigerian film industry.
As the curtains closed on his final journey, mourners reflected not only on the films he left behind but also on the impact he made on colleagues, friends and fans whose lives he touched throughout his career.
Though his voice may have fallen silent, many at the ceremony agreed that Alexx Ekubo’s legacy will continue to live on through his work and the memories he created both on and off the screen.