Nigerian actor and comedian Williams Uchemba has found himself in the centre of controversy on X following his tribute to late actor Alex Ekubo who passed away at 40 after a battle with liver cancer.

Uchemba, popularly known for his role in movies like MerryMen and Sugar Rush, in a tribute to Ekubo on his official Instagram page, wrote, “This is not the end, brother, because we don’t really die, we just transition. Alex belongs to Jesus, and Jesus has taken his baby.

“The most important time of a man’s life is his last few years on earth, and I am happy that you spent yours more in the presence of your maker. Till we meet again, brother.”

“Ehen, say hi to my mum bro, you might not recognise her again cos she looks very young now, but just look out for whoever is going around shouting”Jehovah bu ezE” (Jesus is King) cos that’s her favourite word.”

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“…and ask Solomon where him hide all the gold and money he acquired, we still dey find am. I no go cry for you oo, cos your smart head done leave us for this nonsense world escape. Igbo boy. Rest easy, my man.”

Although the tribute seemed heartfelt and harmless, some internet users reacted to the actor’s use of laughing emojis and the lighthearted tone of the tribute, citing that it was insensitive and hypocritical.

An X user, @REAL_BIG_STEF, wrote, “Why is this tribute sounding so heartless, no pain, like he knew Alex was going to die.”

Another user wrote @Atine30 wrote, ‘May God grant him peace, but this tribute lacks empathy in it. I know he’s trying to be real, but I’m not buying this write-up.”

Defending Uchemba, another user @NovapulseHxe said: “He is more pained than most people writing long episodes of empathetic messages.”

While another X user, @iyaileoba, wrote: “You people should stop saying he’s heartless, we mourn differently.”