Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has opened up about the pain of losing his close friend and colleague, Alex Ekubo, revealing that he still finds himself reaching for his phone to call the late actor, despite his passing more than two months ago.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Ogbonna reflected on the emotional impact of Ekubo’s death, describing it as a life-changing experience that has reshaped his understanding of loss, faith and the fragility of life.
“On May 11, I lost my best friend and brother, Alexx. Nothing prepares you for a loss like that,” Ogbonna wrote.
Ekubo died on May 12, 2026, after spending hours on life support. His family said he passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Sharing his grief, Ogbonna said the pain of death can only be fully understood when it affects someone close.
“You never truly understand the weight of death until it’s your own person. Until the phone stops ringing forever. Until the chair beside you remains empty. Until conversations you thought you had time to finish suddenly become memories,” he said.
The actor admitted that the past two months had been a difficult period as he struggled to make sense of his friend’s passing.
“I’ve been trying to understand life, loss and even God. I’m still asking why someone so full of life could suddenly become a memory,” he added.
Ogbonna recalled the dreams and aspirations they shared, saying they often discussed building businesses, producing movies, travelling the world and watching their families grow.
“We believed we had time. We never imagined one of us would leave first. Life had another plan, or perhaps God simply had a different plan,” he said.
Despite the lingering questions, the actor said his faith has helped him find comfort.
“I’ve found peace believing that God’s wisdom is greater than mine. There are questions my heart still asks that my mind cannot answer, but faith reminds me that not every answer is meant to be understood on this side of eternity,” he stated.
He also celebrated Ekubo’s legacy, describing him as someone who positively influenced the lives of many people.
“My greatest comfort is knowing that you truly lived. You loved, you gave, you laughed and you believed in people. Maybe that’s what a successful life really is, not the money, followers or awards, but the number of lives touched,” Ogbonna said.
Reflecting on how grief continues to affect him, the actor disclosed that memories of his friend remain part of his daily life.
“There are still moments I instinctively reach for my phone, wanting to call you. Sometimes I hear something funny and think, ‘Alexx has to hear this.’ Then reality reminds me that I can’t. The pain never truly disappears; you simply learn to carry it differently,” he said.
Ogbonna urged people to cherish their loved ones while they still have the opportunity.
“Love people while they can still hear you. Tell them you appreciate them, forgive quickly, call your parents, check on your friends, spend time with your family and live intentionally,” he advised.
Concluding the tribute, the actor thanked Ekubo for their friendship and promised to honour his memory.
“Thank you for every conversation, every lesson and every laugh. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to call you my brother. I promise to keep living, building and pursuing purpose until we meet again. Rest well. I love you always,” he wrote.
