Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan has strongly defended the recently held service of songs and tribute night for late actor Alex Ekubo, following criticism from media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze.
The controversy began after Daddy Freeze took to social media to express dissatisfaction with the atmosphere of the memorial event. According to him, the gathering appeared more like a concert than a solemn tribute, particularly due to the worship sessions led by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
He also referenced gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey, suggesting that his participation seemed unusual given that he and the late actor were not following each other on Instagram. Daddy Freeze further explained that he attended the event wearing black despite the all-white dress code because he viewed the gathering differently.
However, Mofe Duncan has pushed back against those remarks, insisting that the tribute was designed around Alex Ekubo’s personality, faith, and wishes rather than the expectations of attendees.
In a lengthy response shared online, Duncan accused Daddy Freeze of making the event about himself rather than focusing on the purpose of the gathering.
“With all due respect Sir… the night wasn’t about You or anyone else but ALEXX. I’m a very objective person and I don’t put mouth in matters that don’t concern me, neither do I lend energy to things I have no power over, the PRAYER OF SERENITY resonates with me on a daily, but as I’ve gotten older, I deeply struggle with the urge to want to EDUCATE people who step gravely out of line, and Bros… you stepped GRAVELY out of line.”
The actor went on to clarify that the event was never intended to be a traditional funeral service but rather a celebration of life through tributes, worship, and remembrance.
“My 2 cents: 1. It was NOT a FUNERAL, it was a NIGHT OF TRIBUTES & A SERVICE OF SONGS.”
Addressing concerns about the music and worship sessions, Duncan stated that several hymns were performed during the evening and that the spiritual tone of the event reflected Alex Ekubo’s personal preferences.
“2. HYMNS were sang Sir. Not once… Not Twice. I’m guessing you didn’t arrive early, because I personally cried during the rendition of BLESSED ASSURANCE. And I believe Hymns are predominantly synonymous with the Catholic Church and other closely related denominations. Was Alexx a Catholic or an Anglican or a Baptist? I’m just asking.”
Duncan further explained that worship was intentionally placed at the center of the tribute because of Alex Ekubo’s love for praising God.
“3. It was a NIGHT OF WORSHIP, because if you were listening or paying attention and not caught up with your desire to want to observe and rush back online to report things you had issues with, you would’ve heard when members of ALEXX’s inner circle reiterated countless times that ALEXX LOVED TO WORSHIP. So a ‘concert’ of worship as you expressed is exactly what ALEXX would’ve wanted.”
The actor also took issue with Daddy Freeze's failure to follow the event's all-white dress code, suggesting that it weakened his criticism of the occasion.
“4. You shouldn’t even have the temerity to voice your opinion because for starters you didn’t adhere to the dress code. You wore BLACK to an ALL WHITE celebration of ALEXX’s life, but each to their own, let’s leave that for a second cause you may actually have a good reason for your choice of outfit. Or maybe you actually thought it was a FUNERAL. I’m objective.”
Duncan reserved his strongest criticism for Daddy Freeze’s decision to publicly voice his displeasure after leaving the event, arguing that doing so detracted from what he described as a beautiful celebration of Alex Ekubo’s life and legacy.
“5. And lastly, the audacity to come online and say you were angry and you left. May people not walkout on your own night of tributes.”
He concluded his response by reiterating that the memorial was organized to honor Alex Ekubo in a manner that reflected his values and personality, not to satisfy the preferences of every guest in attendance.
“This last point is what destroyed my will to resist the urge to ignore your actions and opt to want to EDUCATE you on why you should never have come online to whine and whinge and stain ALEXX’s glorious immortalization. With these few points of mine, I hope I have been able to EDUCATE as well as CONVINCE you and not CONFUSE you that you stepped GRAVELY out of line and the night was not about you or your wants, needs or your opinion.”
The exchange has since generated widespread discussion across social media, with supporters of both personalities weighing in on whether memorial events should follow traditional mourning customs or be tailored to celebrate the life and wishes of the deceased. At the center of the debate, however, remains the memory of Alex Ekubo and the efforts by family, friends, and colleagues to honor his legacy in a way they believe best reflected the man he was.