Terminal diseases remain a major killer which has sent many people to early graves.
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease Study, released on September 25, 2025, chronic progressive diseases account for approximately 74 percent to 75 percent of all deaths globally, resulting in over 43 million lives lost each year.
Among the many victims of these diseases, Nigerian celebrities such as Alexx Ekubo, Sound Sultan, Majek Fashek, and others tragically lost their lives to terminal illnesses.
These are the eight Nigerian celebrities who lost their battle to terminal diseases.
Alexx Ekubo (Kidney Cancer)
Alexx Ekubo, the award-winning Nollywood actor passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40 following a courageous battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
His family confirmed his death, noting that he had privately fought the condition for a prolonged period.
Sound Sultan (Blood Cancer)
Olanrewaju Fasasi, widely known as Sound Sultan, died on July 11, 2021, in the United States at the age of 44.
The multi-talented music icon succumbed to Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer.
Majek Fashek (Esophageal Cancer)
The legendary reggae singer and “Rain Maker,” Majekodunmi Fasheke, died on June 1, 2020, in a New York hospital at the age of 57.
His long battle with esophageal cancer brought an end to an internationally celebrated music career.
Amaechi Muonagor (Kidney Disease)
The veteran Nollywood comedy legend passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 61 after suffering from chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and a stroke.
Before his death, he had publicly appealed for financial assistance to undergo a kidney transplant.
Sunny Okosun (Colon Cancer)
The iconic musician and political activist, famous for his hit song “Which Way Nigeria,” died on May 24, 2008, at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
He lost his life to colon cancer at the age of 61.
Muna Obiekwe (Kidney Failure)
The popular and highly sought-after Nollywood actor died on January 18, 2015, at the young age of 36. He collapsed and passed away in a Lagos hospital after a quiet, long-standing battle with severe kidney failure.
Ify Onwuemene (Endometrial Cancer)
The veteran _Everyday People_ actress passed away on May 25, 2021, following a protracted battle with stage 4 endometrial cancer. Despite undergoing multiple chemotherapy sessions and extensive medical treatments, she succumbed to the disease.
Karibi Fubara (Kidney Cancer)
The brilliant Nollywood actor and filmmaker, known for his roles in _Smart Money Woman_ and _God Calling_, died on December 15, 2021, at the age of 46, from complications related to kidney tumor and cancer.
