Tears as Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo is buried in Abia

Tears flowed as Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo was buried at his family residence in Ujari Village, Abia State, marking the end of a week-long funeral ceremony.

The 40-year-old star, widely known as ‘Chief Ikuku,’ was laid to rest at 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue. The final burial followed a funeral service held earlier at Mary Slessor School in Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu.

Ekubo passed away on May 11 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos after a private battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. Mourners, dressed in white as arranged by the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, gathered to celebrate what they described as “a life beautifully lived and deeply impactful.”

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a life beautifully lived and deeply impactful.

An emotional highlight of the ceremony was the arrival of Ekubo’s casket, which moved many family members and prominent figures from the entertainment and business sectors who traveled to Abia State. Among those present were fellow actors IK Ogbonna, Mike Godson, Ini Edo, Nancy Isime, Bimbo Ademoye, AY Makun, and businessman Obi Cubana.

The burial was preceded by a service of songs on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, where numerous celebrities, business leaders, and politicians also paid tribute. Ekubo’s personal bodyguard, known as “Commando,” delivered a heartfelt eulogy during the wake-keep at the family compound. He described Ekubo as a father figure, mentor, and close friend, expressing his profound grief. “You were not just my boss; you were my mentor, my big brother, my confidence, one of the most important people in my life,” Commando said, visibly struggling with emotion. “All day I stayed at the door calling ‘Chief Ikuku’. You left me shattered. Your Commando is shattered.”

Before his death, Ekubo had withdrawn from public life and social media from December 2024 to focus on his health. Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on April 10, 1986, he gained recognition after finishing as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition. He made his acting debut in 2005 and starred in numerous popular films, including Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, A Sunday Affair, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Weekend Getaway. A reception for guests and community members followed the burial at Mary Slessor School grounds.

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You were not just my boss; you were my mentor, my big brother, my confidence, one of the most important people in my life. All day I stayed at the door calling ‘Chief Ikuku’. You left me shattered. Your Commando is shattered.