Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has broken his silence on the death of his close friend Alex Ekubo, sharing an emotional tribute that has renewed public attention on the actor’s private battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, IK Ogbonna described Ekubo as his “best friend and brother” and reflected on the pain of losing someone close.
“You never truly understand the weight of death until it’s your own person inside that vehicle. Until the phone stops ringing forever. Until the chair beside you remains empty,” he wrote.
He urged people to cherish loved ones, forgive quickly and live intentionally, saying the loss had changed his perspective on life.
IK Ogbonna Speaks Publicly After Alex Ekubo’s Death
Ogbonna’s message is his first public statement since Ekubo died on May 11, 2026.
His tribute quickly drew reactions from fans and colleagues, many of whom offered condolences and remembered Ekubo’s contribution to Nollywood.
Alex Ekubo Died Following Advanced Kidney Cancer
Ekubo died at the age of 40 after complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
His family later confirmed that he had kept his diagnosis private before his condition worsened. They said he died at Evercare Hospital after battling the disease.
Metastatic kidney cancer occurs when cancer that starts in the kidney spreads to other parts of the body. Because the disease often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages, diagnosis may come after it has advanced. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation.
