Music executive Ubi Franklin has shared an emotional tribute following the death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, revealing the heartbreaking moment he learned about the actor’s passing after a private battle with cancer.
In a post shared on X, Franklin disclosed that he received a distressing phone call on the evening of May 11, 2026, informing him that Ekubo had died. Struggling to process the shocking news, he immediately contacted family members and close friends for confirmation.
According to Franklin, several of Ekubo’s friends rushed to the hospital after learning the actor was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, his fears were confirmed the following morning when he received another call announcing the actor’s death.
The music executive admitted that the tragedy reopened painful wounds from 2025, when he lost his sister to cancer.
“This feels incredibly difficult for me because I lost my sister to cancer last year,” Franklin wrote. “Yesterday at 7:00pm on the 11th of May, I received a call informing me that Alex had passed away. I couldn’t believe it.”
Franklin went on to describe cancer as a devastating disease that forces families to helplessly watch their loved ones suffer.
“For those who have never lost someone to cancer, you simply cannot comprehend the evil sickness that is cancer. You witness your loved one dying before your very eyes every day until their final breath,” he added.
Concluding his emotional message, Franklin prayed for Ekubo’s family and wished the late actor eternal rest.
“Dear Alex Ekubo, rest in peace. May the Lord heal your family,” he wrote.
Ekubo’s death has continued to spark grief across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of one of Nollywood’s most admired actors. The late actor, who died at the age of 40, was celebrated for his performances in films including Gbomo Gbomo Express, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story.