Funke Akindele says she tried to reach out while mourning Alex Ekubo

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly mourned the death of her friend and colleague, actor Alex Ekubo, noting that she had tried to reconnect with him before he passed away.

Ekubo’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by several of his peers, including Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo and Godwin Nnadiekwe.

In an emotional tribute posted to her Instagram story, Akindele wrote, “I really tried to reach out to see you one more time but guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace Alex.”

She added, “Ore mi, like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in peace Alex.”

Ninalowo, speaking from the United States, responded, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

At the time this report was filed, Ekubo’s family had not yet issued an official statement regarding his death.

The actor’s passing follows months of fan concern over his extended absence from social media and public events.

Ekubo had not posted on Instagram since 30 December 2024, until a viral video emerged showing him interacting with children. In the footage, he appeared noticeably slimmer, prompting renewed worries about his health.

The clip, shared by X user @AsakyGRN, carried the caption, “Alex Ekubo spotted for the first time since disappearing from social media.”

Prior to his death, Ekubo had dismissed discussions about marriage, stating that his focus was on earning money and advancing his film career.

His former fiancée, Fancy Acholonu, disclosed in a 2023 interview that they had dated for five years without intimacy before their engagement fell apart in 2021.

In the previous year, actor Ikechukwu Ogbonna reassured anxious fans that Ekubo was in good health despite his social‑media hiatus.

“Alex is very okay. He is in good health, and there is nothing wrong with him. He is just taking a leave because sometimes people want to take time off social media and social gatherings,” Ogbonna said.

Ogbonna also noted that the late actor had been spending time with close friends and family while working on personal projects outside Nollywood.