A wave of shock and reflection has trailed revelations about the private life of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo following a family statement which described him as a “husband, son, brother, and friend.”
The statement, released by the family, confirmed that the actor died at Evercare Hospital after what it described as a brief but courageous battle with complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
The description of the late actor as a husband has stirred reactions among fans and colleagues, many of whom said Ekubo kept his family and personal life completely away from public attention during his years in the entertainment industry.
Industry sources said the actor became more guarded about his private life after the collapse of his widely publicised engagement to his United States-based former fiancée, an episode that subjected him to intense public scrutiny, online commentary and speculation.
Sources close to his professional circle said the experience may have influenced his decision to keep subsequent relationships and family matters away from public discussion, especially to protect those close to him from social media attacks and unwanted attention.
Some colleagues were also said to have been unaware of his private family life, as the actor reportedly limited such details to close relatives and avoided discussing them even within industry circles.
The family statement also painted a picture of a man who endured his health battle quietly, saying he faced his struggles with strength, faith and hope while keeping his pain away from public view.
Ekubo’s health challenges were said to have been kept private to avoid unnecessary public sympathy and speculation, a decision sources linked to his generally reserved approach to personal matters in recent years.
The actor had, over the years, been the subject of several online debates and rumours about his private life, a development believed to have further strengthened his resolve to shield his family and relationships from public scrutiny.
His reported death has thrown the Nigerian movie industry into mourning, with fans, colleagues and admirers paying tribute to him for his talent, charisma and contribution to Nollywood.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
