Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo's final journey home began in Lagos on Wednesday, with a service of songs at The Monarch Event Centre. Family, friends, and colleagues attended the event, all dressed in white as the Ekubo family requested.
Ekubo died at 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer. His burial is set for 18 June in his hometown, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State. A wake-keep will hold on 17 June at No. 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa.
Attendees included Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri, Nkechi Blessing, Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi, Ik Ogbonna, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, singer Chike, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest. Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, Ini Edo, and pastors Ituah Ighodalo and Jerry Eze were also present.
Moses Bliss, Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs, Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, and the Laud Urban Choir led worship and ministration.
Speeches from friends and family painted a picture of a man who treated everyone with kindness. Nancy Isime said Ekubo treated everyone around him well, including his domestic staff and people he'd only just met. "He had a strong heart for people, and this was clear. One thing he definitely did was live for himself, and he always did things his way. It gives me joy that he lived a life that felt good to him," she said.
Oby Ezekwesili, 63, said it's very difficult to serve as a song leader for someone younger than her generation. She told the late actor's family that only God can offer true comfort. "Nobody carried that child other than the mother. Nobody has the word for you," she said, quoting Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints."
Ik Ogbonna, one of Ekubo's closest friends, delivered an emotional tribute. He said he never imagined a day would come when he wouldn't see him again. "He'd call me and advise me like I was his child, and I'd fight him for always talking to me like I was a child... Alex always looked out for those he loved. He'd call me to go and get my visa, anything could come up with me, Mr Last Minute, I'd wait till the call came and then start looking for my visa," he said.
Ogbonna confessed he still catches himself reaching for his phone to call Ekubo, hoping the call would somehow go through. He questioned whether he'd ever truly get over the loss.
Ekubo's death has drawn an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across Nollywood. He was known for his roles in films like "The Wedding Party" and "Inikpi," and was widely regarded as one of the industry's most talented actors.