Family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to honour the life and legacy of beloved Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, whose passing after a battle with cancer has continued to send shockwaves through Nigeria's entertainment industry.
The actor's final journey home officially began with a moving Service of Songs held at The Monarch Event Centre, Lagos, where attendees dressed in white in accordance with the wishes of the Ekubo family. The atmosphere was one of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of a life that touched many within and beyond the entertainment industry.
The gathering drew an impressive array of personalities from Nollywood, the music industry, the clergy, and public service. Among those present were Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri, Nkechi Blessing, Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi, IK Ogbonna, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Chike, Cubana Chief Priest, Ini Edo, and several other notable figures from across Nigeria's entertainment landscape.
Also in attendance was former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, alongside respected clergymen Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Pastor Jerry Eze, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of Ekubo's life and career.
The evening was marked by heartfelt worship sessions led by celebrated gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs, and the Laud Urban Choir. Their ministrations created an atmosphere of hope, faith, and comfort as attendees reflected on the life of the late actor.
Several speakers shared personal memories and tributes, highlighting the values and qualities that defined Ekubo's life both on and off screen. Actress Nancy Isime remembered him as a genuinely kind individual whose compassion extended to everyone around him.
"He treated everyone around him well, including his domestic staff and people he had only just met," she said.
Reflecting further on his character, Isime noted that Ekubo lived authentically while remaining deeply committed to his faith.
"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 stated.
Former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili also delivered emotional remarks, speaking about the profound pain associated with witnessing the passing of someone younger. She acknowledged the immense grief being experienced by the actor's immediate family, particularly his mother, wife, siblings, and loved ones.
"When deaths like this happen, the only thing that a child of God would be able to do is to remember the sovereignty of God," she said, emphasising the importance of faith and spiritual strength during periods of loss.
One of the evening's most emotional tributes came from actor IK Ogbonna, who spoke candidly about the close bond he shared with Ekubo. He admitted that he never imagined a day would come when he would no longer see his dear friend.
According to Ogbonna, Ekubo played a significant role in shaping many aspects of his life, including strengthening his relationship with God and teaching him the value of patience, purpose, and timing.
The service of songs served not only as a moment of mourning but also as a celebration of a life remembered for kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and meaningful relationships. The heartfelt tributes painted a portrait of a man whose warmth and compassion left lasting impressions on everyone privileged to know him.
Alex Ekubo's passing marks a painful loss for Nollywood and the many lives he impacted throughout his career. Yet, the stories shared throughout the evening reflected a common sentiment among those gathered: while his physical presence may be gone, the memories he created and the values he embodied will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
As family, friends, colleagues, and admirers prepare to bid their final farewell, the Service of Songs stood as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of a man whose life touched countless people across different walks of life, both within Nigeria's entertainment industry and beyond.