Veteran filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen has shared an emotional reflection on his early connection with late actor Alexx Ekubo, revealing that he played a key role in giving the young star his very first movie opportunity.
Imasuen recalled meeting Ekubo in Surulere, Lagos, where they lived as neighbours at the time. According to him, Ekubo was already deeply fascinated by filmmaking as a student and would regularly show up at film locations every Saturday, quietly observing and learning the craft long before he officially stepped into the industry.
Imasuen said Ekubo’s consistency and passion eventually earned him his first acting role, marking the beginning of what would become a successful career in Nollywood. He described the late actor as focused, eager, and naturally drawn to the screen even at a young age.
The filmmaker’s tribute comes amid widespread mourning in the Nigerian entertainment industry following the announcement of Ekubo’s death on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a battle with kidney cancer. He was 40 years old.
News of his passing was first reported on Tuesday, sparking an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans across social media platforms such as Instagram and X. Many continue to refer to him by his affectionate nickname, “Ikuku,” which has since become a rallying cry for remembrance and sorrow online.
Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, the actor had been noticeably absent from social media since December 30, 2024, a silence that had already raised concern among fans and fueled speculation about his health in the months leading up to his death.
