The family of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has raised fresh questions over the circumstances surrounding his death and burial, alleging that key relatives were kept in the dark about important details.
Ekubo, 40, died on May 11 after a battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.
He was buried last week in his grandfather’s compound in Abia State, after a service of songs on June 10 and a wake attended by family members, friends and colleagues.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, David Ekubo, who spoke on behalf of the family, claimed that the events leading to the actor’s death remained unclear.
Family says mother, only sibling kept in the dark
David, a cousin of the late actor, alleged that some members of the Ekubo family were not properly informed about the circumstances surrounding his passing.
According to him, the family member who officially received Alexx Ekubo’s body from the mortuary was allegedly not allowed to view it.
He also claimed that the actor’s biological mother and only biological sibling had not been formally updated on the events surrounding his death.
“With grave pain, heaviness and sorrow, the family of Ikenna Alex Ekubo advises the public that the events leading up to his passing have been unclear,” the statement read.
“The Ekubo family were not informed that he passed on the 11th of May. The Ekubo who officially received Alex’s body from the mortuary was not allowed to view the body.”
Burial colour also questioned
The family also faulted the decision to wear white during the burial activities, saying it did not approve what it described as a celebration-of-life tone for an actor whose life was cut short at 40.
“Amongst other important facts, the Ekubo family did not approve the wearing of white for what seemed to be a celebration of life for a 40-year-old Alex Ekubo whose life was suddenly cut short,” the statement added.
David said the family was still seeking answers on how the actor died.
“The Ekubo family are yet to receive answers on how and why Alex passed away suddenly,” he said.
He further alleged that Alexx Ekubo’s mother and only biological sibling were still waiting to be formally briefed.
“Alex Ekubo’s only biological sibling @omaalex3 and biological mother, who are alive and well, are yet to be formally updated about the circumstances surrounding the untimely and suspicious passing of Alex,” the statement added.
No response yet from actor’s representatives
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the late actor’s management or other representatives regarding the allegations raised by the family.
Alexx Ekubo was one of Nollywood’s prominent actors and had built a strong fan base through his appearances in films, television and entertainment events before his death.
His passing threw the industry into mourning, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to him across social media.
