Mo Abudu, Omoni Oboli, Kunle Remi and others mourn Alex Ekubo

The Nigerian entertainment industry entered a period of mourning after actor Alex Ekubo, popularly known as “Ikuku,” was reported dead.

News of his passing quickly generated a flood of tributes on Tuesday, particularly on Instagram and X, where colleagues highlighted his kindness and graceful demeanor.

Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, who referred to the late actor as her “bestie,” posted on Instagram, “I’m so upset! Who will help me fight death? This is too much! How are we supposed to move on? How do we say goodbye? I’m devastated. My bestie! Why? We had a plan! Where do I start from?”

Media entrepreneur and EbonyLife Group CEO Mo Abudu shared a tribute in which she recalled Alex calling her “Mum” and expressed sorrow over a final message that went unanswered.

“We hadn’t spoken in a while. I remember you travelled last year and replied when you got back. I sent another message after that, and when you didn’t respond, I didn’t follow up. I never imagined there wouldn’t be another chance. Dear Alex, you will be so deeply missed. You were such a beautiful human being, loving, real, kind, and always so respectful every single time we worked together,” she wrote.

Actress Kate Henshaw also remembered how Ekubo “showed up” for her when her mother passed away two years ago.

“We chatted when I noticed your absence on SM, and you said you were fine. I wanted a chance to repay you for your kindness at that time, but not like this, Alex. I pray God accepts your soul and comforts your loved ones left behind. Goodbye, rest in the bosom of God Almighty from whom you came,” she wrote.

Other colleagues noted in their tributes that the actor often reassured friends about his well‑being.

Actress Yvonne Jegede wrote on Instagram, “I can’t process this. I checked on him, and he kept saying he was fine. It’s so sad. Are you telling me I will never see Ikuku again? So I won’t hear him scream CHOCO with a big smile again? This is unimaginable. My spirit is broken. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a friend. You were a wonderful person. Rest Well, Champ Alex ‘Ikuku’ Ekubo.”

Actor Kunle Remi posted, “Ikuku The Breeze. This really hurts, bro! I checked on you… I still spoke about you yesterday… A good man. God is taking care of you. Bask in His peace.”

“I made sure to check up on him regularly. I feared for this day, yet it finally came. Rest well, Alexxx… and God give your family the heart to bear the loss. Sleep well, IKUKU,” actress Ruth Kadiri added.

Other stars, including Ini Dima‑Okojie, Bucci Franklin, Dayo Amusa, and singer Johnny Drille, also expressed their grief, with Amusa stating that her “heart feels so heavy” after losing a dear colleague.

PUNCH Online reports that Ekubo’s death was announced on Tuesday by his peers, among them actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who disclosed her attempts to meet him before he passed.