Nigerian actor Alex Ekubo has died aged 40 after a reported battle with cancer.
He died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday night after apparently battling liver cancer.
His body has been moved to Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi in Lagos, according to Nigerian news outlet Vanguard.
Ekubo had won many awards for his work in the entertainment industry and humanitarian efforts, including a Special Recognition Award from Nigeria's First Lady.
Tributes have been pouring in from stars in Nigeria's film industry, known as Nollywood.
"Rest in Peace Alex", fellow actor and producer Funke Akindele said on social media.
The pair had starred in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto - The Saga together.
She added: "I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best. You kept telling me you are fine.
"May your kind soul rest in peace Alex. Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together."
Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen - who gave Ekubo his first film role - described his death as "devastating and unbelievable".
He recalled how they met as neighbours and said Ekubo would visit film locations every Saturday while still in school.
“That was how I gave him his first movie role that ushered him into Nollywood,” Imasuen said.
Ekubo’s friend, actor Godwin Nnadiekwe added: “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me.
“Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo.”
He added: “Goodnight Alex. Cancer you did this one.”
Ekubo sparked concern for his health among fans after stepping away from social media, with his last post appearing in December 2024.
The film star, who was born on 10 April, 1986 in Nigeria's Rivers State, was of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood.
He was given a Special Recognition Award by Nigeria’s First Lady in 2018 for his contribution and development of the country's entertainment industry.
He was inducted into the UN's Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40 in 2020 for his efforts in entertainment and social development.
In 2021, Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin.
"Tonight is very special and dear to my heart because it's coming at quite a time," he said at the time.
He was also honoured for his humanitarian work.
In 2021, he was given the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the year for his charity work.
