Nigerian music executive, Ubi Franklin, has taken to his social media page to mourn the passing of Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, reflecting on the anguish of losing yet another loved one to cancer, as well as the traumatic moment he learned of the actor’s passing.

Franklin, in a statement on X, said he was informed of the heartbreaking news late on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Claiming he was still in shock,  Franklin said he contacted relatives and acquaintances who confirmed that Ekubo was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) prior to the formal confirmation of his death the next morning.

He mentioned that the loss reminded him of his sister’s death from cancer in 2025.

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He wrote: “This feels incredibly difficult for me because I lost my sister to cancer last year. Yesterday at 7:00 pm on the 11th of May, I received a call informing me that Alex had passed away.

I couldn’t believe it, so I called my cousin, who had last seen Alex at the airport in February 2026. He then called a few other friends who all rushed to the hospital, and I was told Alex was in the ICU.

This morning, I woke up and said a prayer followed by worship songs for him, hoping the story would change. However, that call came again to confirm he was no more.”

Franklin described cancer as a cruel disease that slowly claims its victims while loved ones watch helplessly.

“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 said.

He paid a tribute with a farewell message, he wrote: “Dear Alex EKUBO, rest in peace. May the Lord heal your family.”

Franklin’s tribute adds to the outpouring of grief from across the Nigerian entertainment industry following Ekubo’s death at the age of 40 after a private battle with cancer.