Celebrity comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY Comedian, has taken to social media to address trolls following the tragic death of actor Alexx Ekubo, who passed away at age 40. In a heartfelt post, AY revealed that Ekubo never shared his health challenges with anyone in his inner circle, urging netizens to reconsider how they treat celebrities online.
AY Reflects on Alexx Ekubo's Final Moments
AY, who is the elder brother of Ekubo's close associate Yomi Casual, described watching the actor's lifeless body. He said, "Watching his lifeless body right in front of me, I can honestly say that even in death, he looked peaceful. He looked like someone who had carried pain quietly for too long and finally found rest." The comedian emphasized that Ekubo "never shared or disclosed issues concerning his health with any of us. And that is the part that should make all of us pause."
Public Figures Fighting Private Battles
AY noted that behind the glamorous lifestyles celebrities portray, many are fighting silent battles. "Some are battling sickness. Some are battling depression. Some are battling loneliness. Some are battling family issues. Some are battling the pressure of being judged by people who do not know them personally," he said. He compared Ekubo, who reportedly fought stage four liver cancer, to actor Chadwick Boseman, who privately battled colon cancer while starring in Black Panther.
AY also referenced other celebrities who suffered in silence: "Sammie Okposo faced public shame and personal battles before his sudden passing. Caroline Flack became a global reminder of how public humiliation and online cruelty can break a human being. The painful truth is this: we do not always know what people are carrying."
Criticism of Online Cruelty
The comedian criticized those who turn others' pain into entertainment on social media. "Someone may be trying to hustle just to stay alive, while we use their pain to catch cruise. Science may not say trolling causes cancer, but we know that constant stress, humiliation, depression, and emotional pressure can worsen a person's health, break their spirit, and make their private battles even harder to fight," he said. He advised netizens to think twice before posting hurtful comments about celebrities during tough times.
Funke Akindele Also Mourns
Nollywood actress Funke Akindele also expressed deep sorrow over Ekubo's death, sharing emotional posts about her failed attempts to reach him before his passing. She revealed she sent voice notes and messages, but he insisted he was fine and later withdrew completely. Akindele admitted she wanted to see him one last time, hold his hands, and pray with him, but he chose to keep his pain private until the end.
