FUNKE AKINDELE MOURNS ALEX EKUBO, REVEALS FAILED ATTEMPTS TO RECONNECT BEFORE HIS DEATH

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has paid an emotional tribute to late actor Alex Ekubo, revealing that she made several attempts to reconnect with him before his reported death.

Ekubo’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by some of his colleagues in the Nigerian movie industry, including Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo and Godwin Nnadiekwe.

In a heartfelt message shared via her Instagram story, Akindele expressed pain over not being able to see the actor one last time before his passing.

“I really tried to reach out to see you one more time but guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace Alex,” she wrote.

“Ore mi, like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in peace Alex.”

Reacting to the news from the United States, Ninalowo also mourned the late actor, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

As of the time of filing this report, Ekubo’s family had yet to officially issue a statement regarding his death.

The actor’s passing comes months after concerns were raised by fans over his prolonged absence from social media and public appearances. Ekubo had remained inactive on Instagram since December 30, 2024, before a recent viral video surfaced online showing him interacting with children.

In the video, which was shared by X user @AsakyGRN, the actor appeared noticeably slimmer, sparking renewed concerns among fans about his health and wellbeing.

Before his death, Ekubo had publicly dismissed discussions about marriage, stating that he was more focused on building his career and making money in the movie industry.

His former fiancée, Fancy Acholonu, had also disclosed in a 2023 interview that they dated for five years without intimacy before their engagement ended in 2021.

Last year, actor Ikechukwu Ogbonna had reassured fans that Ekubo was in good health despite staying away from social media.

“Alex is very okay. He is in good health, and there is nothing wrong with him. He is just taking a leave because sometimes people want to take time off social media and social gatherings,” Ogbonna had said.

He added that the late actor had been spending time with close friends and family while focusing on personal projects outside Nollywood.