Nigerian film star Alexx Ekubo passed away at the age of 40 on Monday night in a Lagos hospital. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the country’s vibrant film industry, Nollywood, and among his widespread fanbase, leaving many colleagues and admirers in profound grief.

Ekubo was a celebrated figure, renowned for his diverse roles, including his performance in “Weekend Getaway” and his appearance in Yemi Alade’s 2013 music video for “Johnny.” His career, which began with his debut in the 2005 production “Sinners in the House,” saw him garner numerous awards and recognitions. He rose to prominence after competing in the Mr Nigeria competition in 2010 and later received a Best Supporting Actor award at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013 for his role in “Weekend Getaway.” Over his career, he accumulated nine awards, including Best Actor of the Year in 2016 and Best Lead Actor in 2022 from the Best of Nollywood.

The news of Ekubo’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the industry. Fellow actor and producer Funke Akindele, who starred alongside Ekubo in the 2020 comedy “Omo Ghetto – The Saga,” expressed profound sadness on social media, recalling her attempts to reach him. Godwin Nnadiekwe, a close friend and colleague, described the loss as heartbreaking, emphasizing that Nollywood had lost “a rare soul.” Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who gave Ekubo his first acting opportunity, called the passing “devastating and unbelievable.” His last social media activity, which had been several months prior to his passing, had already sparked concerns for his well-being.

Born on April 10, 1986, in Nigeria’s Rivers State, Ekubo held a law degree from the University of Calabar. Beyond his acting prowess, he was also recognized for his significant humanitarian contributions. In 2018, Nigeria’s First Lady presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his impact on the entertainment industry. He was inducted into the UN’s Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40 in 2020 and received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin the following year. His charity work also earned him the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year in 2021 and a Certificate of Excellence from the Sapio Club. He had briefly been in the public eye in 2021 when his engagement to Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu ended.