Alexx Ekubo

Biography

Alex Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke (10 April 1986 – 11 May 2026) was a Nigerian actor, known for acting in Nollywood. Ekubo was the first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest and later starred in Weekend Getaway. In 2020, he was recognised among the "Most Influential People of African Descent" under 40 for his contributions to entertainment and social development in Africa.

== Early life and education == Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke was from Arochukwu in Abia State. He attended Federal Government College Daura in Katsina State and studied law at the University of Calabar. in 2021, he received an honorary degree in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion (ISCG University) in Cotonou, Benin.

== Career == Ekubo's film debut was a minor role in Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun's Sinners in the House (2003). He later appeared in films including Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, Power of 1, A Sunday Affair, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Bling Lagosians, Catch.er, Zero Hour, The First Lady, Lagos Cougars, and Weekend Getaway, often portraying charismatic or comedic characters. His performances have been praised for blending humour, emotional depth, and commercial appeal. Ekubo appeared in over 100 films and worked with several Nollywood filmmakers. His appearances at film festivals worldwide and work with streaming platforms enhanced his international profile.

== Philanthropy and advocacy == Beyond entertainment, Ekubo was known for his humanitarian and youth advocacy work. He participated in numerous charitable initiatives and outreach programmes across Nigeria and West Africa. In 2020 He received a certificate of excellence from the Sapio Club SGD (Sustainable Goals Development) for his contributions to entertainment and humanitarian efforts in Africa. In 2021, he received the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year by the Nigerian National Awards for his charitable works. In 2023, Ekubo was recognised as the Rotary Youth Ambassador of the Year under Rotary International District 9142.

== Personal life and death == Ekubo was known for his fashion style and appeared on several best-dressed lists across Africa. He maintained a private lifestyle and used his platform to advocate for social causes and youth empowerment. Ekubo died on 11 May 2026, at the age of 40 at Evercare Hospital, Lagos, following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, a battle his family described as "brief but courageous." Following his death, his family revealed that he had been privately married, to Anwuli Ekubo-Okwareke, and that the couple had a child together. Ekubo had been largely absent from public life and social media since late 2024. He was buried in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, with funeral services held from 17 to 18 June 2026; in a tribute published in his funeral pamphlet, his wife described him as her "anchor" and recalled their shared faith and private nicknames for one another.

== Television == Secrets & Scandals Hope Bay Happy Family Tinsel AY's Crib (2013–2015) as JJ Married to the Game (2014–2015) as Vincent Coker

== Filmography == Ladies Gang (2011) as Jude Aina (2011) as Handsome Man Weekend Getaway (2012) as Andre Dikeh True Citizens (2012) In the Cupboard (2012) as Tega Dream Walker (2013) as Dream Man Keeping my Man (2013) as Rasheed Lagos Cougars (2013) as Chigo Champagne (2014) as Tare Hopewell Single, Married and Complicated (2014) Ifedolapo (2014) as Richard Gold Diggin (2014) (with Yvonne Nelson and Rukky Sanda) as Chris Undercover Lover (2015) as Collins All that Glitters (2015) The First Lady (2015) (with Omoni Oboli) as Obama Gbomo Gbomo Express (2015) as Hubby Luke of Lies (2015) as Luke Death Toll (2015) Entreat (2016) as Michael Olawale The Other Side of the Coin (2016) Diary of a Lagos Girl (2016) as Ife Wife Material (2017) as Tony A Man for the Weekend (2017) (with Syndy Emade) as Bryan Catcher (2017) as Tony Bello 3 is a Crowd (2017) as Derek Hot Girl Next Door (2018) as Ken Switch (2018) as Leo Power of 1 (2018) as LeJit The American King: As told by an African Priestess (2019) Bling Lagosians (2019) as Nnamdi Zero Hour (2019) as Zamani Davou Your Excellency (2019) as Kachi 72 hours (2019) Soft Work (2020) as Dare Olusegun Son of Mercy (2020) as Efe Bitter Rain (2021) as TY The Real Us (2021) as Nnamdi Charlie Charlie (2021) Tiger Tails (2022) as Udoka The American King (2022) Almajiri (2022) The Blood Covenant (2022) as Obi Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story (2023) Peace Be Still (2023) A Sunday Affair (2023) as Femi Rush Hour (2024) as Abuchi Smiling Masks (2024)

== Awards and nominations ==