Nollywood actors including Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, and fashion designer Yomi Casual traveled to Arochukwu in Abia state on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, to attend the wake-keep and final burial rites of their late colleague Alexx Ekubo.
The celebrities joined other colleagues who had arrived earlier to prepare for the events honoring the 40-year-old actor, who passed away after battling metastatic kidney cancer. The gathering demonstrated the strong bond and solidarity within the Nigerian movie industry, as stars set aside their busy schedules to support a friend.
Stars Gather in Arochukwu
Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, and Yomi Casual touched down in Arochukwu for the wake-keep at Alexx Ekubo's family home. They joined friends and colleagues such as Ik Ogbonna and Deyemi Okanlawon, who had already been in the community preparing for the wake-keep and lie-in-state. The turnout reflected the close relationships within Nollywood, where stars often stand together during times of loss.
Preparations in the community continued as family, friends, and colleagues organized the ceremonies. Alexx Ekubo passed away on May 11, 2026, at age 40 after battling metastatic kidney cancer. His sudden death sent shockwaves across the industry, leaving colleagues and fans mourning a figure known for his energy and warmth. A service of songs was held in Lagos on June 10, where many remembered his vibrant personality and contributions to Nigerian cinema.
Fans React to Nollywood Stars' Arrival
Many fans praised the celebrities for their show of love and prayed for the late actor's soul. Comments included:
- @obiesikachinon2: "Real friendship. Alex's soul continue to rest in perfect peace."
- @Drimgboi7ao: "Solidarity till death do us apart. Keep resting on Alex Ekubo."
- @miz_debrah23: "The pain of losing a loved one is something words can't fully explain…may his soul RIP."
- @CuriousAgatha: "May his soul rest in peace. Amen."
- @BrendaEbyslady: "May his soul rest in peace. May God comfort his family, give them the strength to endure."
- @LordMartins0011: "It is well. This life! Sometimes I ask GOD why don't you make us live forever. Death is painful."
Alexx Ekubo's Last Hometown Visit
Earlier, preparations were underway for the wake-keep in Arochukwu. Old pictures from Alexx Ekubo's last public appearance in Arochukwu in December 2022 during his grandmother's burial ceremony were reshared as residents prepared to bid him farewell. A Nigerian lady, Joy Chinwenmeri Onwubuariri, mentioned on Facebook that Ik Ogbonna collected Alexx Ekubo's remains from the mortuary. She stated: "I saw the corpse release certificate of Alex. Guess whose name was written as collector, it's Ik Ogbonna, from Lagos to Arochukwu. That must have been so hard. My God will console his family and friends."
