Kunle Remi tribute to Alex Ekubo highlights faith, kindness and grief following the Nollywood actor’s death at 40

Nigerian actor Kunle Remi has paid an emotional tribute to late Nollywood star Alex Ekubo following the actor’s death after a battle with cancer.

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Kunle Remi shared the heartfelt message in a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, days after Alex Ekubo reportedly died on Monday, May 11, at the age of 40.

The actor described Alex Ekubo as “the definition of a good man” and said the loss had deeply hurt him. Kunle Remi, however, said his greatest consolation was the late actor’s Christian faith.

“Alex Ikuku was a good man. It is weird saying was,” Kunle Remi said in the video. “This hurts, but the only thing that gives me joy is that he was a lover of Christ, so he is at peace.”

Kunle Remi explained that he had reached out privately to Alex Ekubo during his illness but chose to respect the late actor’s wish for privacy after noticing his withdrawal from public life.

The actor said social media pressure may have influenced Alex Ekubo’s decision to stay away from the spotlight during his health struggles.

“I reached out to him, saw it, respected it and stepped back,” Kunle Remi said. “I respect the privacy he chose because he saw what social media can do.”

The moving tribute also reflected on kindness, faith and the fleeting nature of fame. Kunle Remi urged people to prioritise compassion over popularity and wealth.

“Your social media followers and bank accounts don’t matter if you aren’t kind,” the actor added. “Love Christ and be on His side.”

The family of Alex Ekubo earlier confirmed his death in a statement, revealing that the actor died at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

According to the statement, Alex Ekubo faced his illness with remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope throughout his final months.

The actor’s death has triggered widespread grief across Nollywood, with colleagues and fans remembering him for his calm personality, grace and talent.

Concerns about Alex Ekubo’s prolonged absence from social media had emerged last year after the actor stopped posting online in 2024.

Actress Oma Nnadi had previously dismissed rumours surrounding his disappearance, insisting that he was healthy and simply keeping away from social media.

Alex Ekubo was later seen in a video spending time with children, a moment many fans revisited following news of his death.

In previous years, the late actor had shared reflective messages about humanity, compassion and loss, particularly after the deaths of singer Mohbad and actor Junior Pope.

Those comments have since resurfaced online, with many fans describing them as powerful and heartbreaking in hindsight.

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Kunle Remi’s tribute has become one of the most poignant reactions from the entertainment industry, highlighting not only grief but also the enduring impact Alex Ekubo had on friends and colleagues.