Nollywood stars, gospel ministers gather to honour Alex Ekubo at service of songs

Tributes flowed freely on Wednesday as leading figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry assembled in Lagos to celebrate the life and legacy of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo during an emotional Service of Songs that signalled the beginning of his final burial rites.

Held at the Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, the solemn gathering attracted actors, musicians, media personalities, clerics and close associates, all of whom came together to pay their last respects to the actor, who died on May 11 after a battle with kidney cancer.

Mourners, dressed in white in accordance with the wishes of the Ekubo family, filled the venue as heartfelt tributes continued to pour in for the actor, whose contributions to the Nigerian film industry earned him recognition as one of Nollywood’s most familiar and admired faces.

Among the notable personalities present were actresses Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri and Nkechi Blessing. Also in attendance were actors Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi and Frederick Leonard, media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, singer Chike and socialite Cubana Chief Priest, reflecting the wide reach of Ekubo’s influence across the entertainment landscape.

The service featured worship sessions led by prominent gospel ministers Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs, Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey and Kaestrings. Pastor Jerry Eze also ministered during the event, helping to create a reflective atmosphere as family members, friends and colleagues remembered the actor’s impact on the industry and the lives he touched throughout his career.

Through funeral arrangements released earlier by the family, the Ekubos expressed gratitude for the support and goodwill they have received since the actor’s passing and appealed for continued prayers as they navigate the mourning period.

The Service of Songs formally opened a series of funeral activities planned in honour of the late actor. According to the schedule released by the family, a wake-keep will take place on June 17 at the family’s residence in Arochukwu, Abia State, while the funeral service and interment are scheduled for June 18.

Ekubo built a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, earning acclaim through his performances in numerous Nollywood productions and establishing himself as one of the industry’s most celebrated actors. Since news of his death emerged, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans and admirers across Nigeria and beyond, underscoring the enduring impact of his life and work.