He reportedly died of cancer aged 40.

His colleague, Godwin Nnadiekwe, in a post on Instagram on Tuesday, confirmed the actor’s demise.

“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,” Mr Nnadiekwe said.

“To think you already prepared your will — it’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend,” he added.

Mr Ekubo was the first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He shut to limelight the Nollywood, starring in blockbuster, “Weekend Getaway.”

In 2020, United Nations named Mr Ekubo one of the “Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 for his contributions to entertainment and social development across the continent.