The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of actor Alex Ekubo, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40 after a battle with cancer. The news, which broke on Tuesday, has continued to ripple through Nollywood, leaving colleagues and fans grappling with shock, regret, and unanswered questions.
Among those most visibly affected is veteran actress Kate Henshaw, who expressed disbelief shortly after the announcement became public. Taking to her X account, she reacted in a brief but emotional post that reflected the suddenness of the loss.
“I just heard a terrible news! Father Lord plsssss ,” she wrote.
As the reality of Ekubo’s passing began to settle, Henshaw engaged further with fans online, revealing that she had attempted to reach the late actor in the period leading up to his death—unaware of the severity of his illness. Her words captured a mix of confusion and regret over what she later understood as missed communication.
“I had no idea. Been sending chats no response…I just decided to give him some breathing space not knowing,” she responded.
Her comments sparked wider reflection online about illness, silence, and how quickly circumstances can change without public awareness. In one exchange discussing cancer and its devastating toll, Henshaw responded with urgency and hope for medical progress:
“I hope it comes really quick! It is needed urgently,” she wrote.
The conversation echoed a broader sentiment across social media, where users expressed grief and frustration over the disease that continues to claim lives globally.
Adding to the wave of tributes, actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele also shared her own farewell message, revealing that she had tried to see Ekubo before his passing but was unable to.
“Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex,” she wrote.
Her message joined a growing list of emotional tributes from colleagues and industry allies, many of whom described the loss as deeply painful and difficult to process.
As Nollywood continues to reflect on the actor’s life and legacy, the circumstances surrounding his final days have intensified conversations about health struggles, privacy, and the unseen battles many public figures endure.