Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna delivered an emotional tribute to his late friend and colleague, Alexx Ekubo, during the actor’s Service of Songs held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Fighting back tears, Ogbonna described Ekubo as more than a friend, saying their bond was that of brothers who shared life’s joys, struggles and aspirations.
Reflecting on their friendship, Ogbonna recalled how Ekubo constantly encouraged him to strengthen his relationship with God.
“Even in our last conversation, you told me the same thing you had always said: ‘Always remember, I’m here for you, even if no one else is.’ You would also remind me constantly, ‘Ogbo, get closer to God,'” he said.
According to him, Ekubo’s concern for the people around him remained one of his defining qualities.
“That was Alex always looking out for the people he loved. We had our disagreements and our fights, but we shared far more beautiful moments than difficult ones,” Ogbonna said.
The actor also recalled how Ekubo often urged him to seize opportunities without delay.
“You would call me and say, ‘Ogbo, go and get your visa. Anything can happen.’ But me, Mr Last Minute, I would always wait until the opportunity came knocking before scrambling to sort things out,” he said.
Describing the late actor as a loyal friend and dependable companion, Ogbonna said, “I am grateful that I had you in my life, not just as a friend, but as a brother. Even in death, my brother, I’m still riding for you.”
He lamented the loss of a man he described as a source of light, encouragement and hope to many people.
“The world was sometimes unfair to a genuinely good man. He was never the bad guy some people imagined him to be. I only wish you were here to witness the incredible love people are showing you right now,” he added.
Ogbonna said he had struggled to come to terms with the actor’s death, noting that everyday activities constantly reminded him of his late friend.
“The hardest part is that life refused to stop after you left. The phone still rings. Meetings still happen. The sun still rises every morning as if nothing has changed. Yet everything has changed,” he said.
“I keep hoping for one more conversation. One more ‘Ogbo, you dey mad.’ One more lecture. One more argument. One more ‘I got you, bro. No worry.’ But there won’t be. And that is the part that breaks me.”
He concluded by describing Ekubo as irreplaceable.
“I never knew it was possible to connect so deeply with someone who wasn’t related by blood, but Alexx Ekubo was more than a brother to me. Rest well, my brother. There will never be another Alex.”
Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40 after battling complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
He reportedly passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos.
According to funeral arrangements released by his family, the actor will be buried on June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu, Abia State. A wake-keep is scheduled for June 17, while the funeral service and interment will take place the following day.
