There Will Never Be Another Alex,’ Says IK Ogbonna

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna fought back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his late friend and colleague, Alexx Ekubo, during a Service of Songs held in his honour on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.

The gathering brought together family members, colleagues, friends, clerics and fans who came dressed in white to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved actor.

The event, which marked the beginning of Ekubo’s funeral rites, was filled with moments of reflection, prayers, music and heartfelt tributes from those whose lives were touched by the actor before his death on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Among the most emotional moments of the evening was Ogbonna’s tribute, as he recounted years of friendship, brotherhood and unwavering support shared between them.

According to him, one of the things Ekubo constantly reminded him of was the need to stay close to God.

Ogbonna said that even when he tried to explain that he already had a strong relationship with God, Ekubo never stopped encouraging him spiritually.

He recalled that during their last conversation, the late actor repeated the same advice and reassured him that he would always be there for him, regardless of the circumstances.

“Always remember, I’m here for you, even if no one else is,” Ogbonna recalled Ekubo telling him.

The actor described his late friend as someone who genuinely cared about the well-being of those around him and consistently looked out for the people he loved.

He remembered how Ekubo often encouraged him to prepare for opportunities ahead of time, particularly when it came to travelling, while he often delayed making plans until the last minute.

Despite their occasional disagreements, Ogbonna said their friendship was built on far more good moments than bad ones.

He noted that Ekubo was more than a friend to him, describing him as a brother whose concerns became his own concerns.

“I am glad I had you, not just as a friend, but as a brother,” he said.

Reflecting on the bond they shared, Ogbonna told mourners that there would never be another person like Alexx Ekubo in his life.

He lamented that the actor never lived to witness the outpouring of love, admiration and support that has followed his death.

“The world was unfair to a good guy.”

“There will never be another Alex,” he said.

Ogbonna further described the late actor as a soldier, a wise man and a source of light who brought life, energy and positivity wherever he went.

According to him, Ekubo constantly motivated people, encouraged them during difficult moments and inspired them to believe that tomorrow would always be better than today.

He said one of the most painful aspects of grief has been realizing that life continues moving even after the death of someone so dear.

The actor disclosed that he still finds himself reaching for his phone whenever he comes across something he would normally share with Ekubo, only to remember that the call will never connect again.

He admitted that he does not know whether he will ever completely recover from the loss.

“Every day there is something on Instagram I want to share with you.”

“Every day I reach for my phone before remembering that that call is not going to connect,” he said.

Ogbonna also reflected on the painful reality of mortality, saying everyone who lives long enough will eventually face the heartbreak of losing loved ones.

According to him, one of life’s hardest truths is that people will either bury those they love or be buried by them.

His emotional remarks left many mourners visibly moved as they reflected on the life and impact of the late actor.

The Service of Songs attracted several Nollywood stars and notable personalities who shared personal memories of Ekubo and described him as kind-hearted, generous and intentional in the way he related with people.

Alexx Ekubo, who was born on April 10, 1986, died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.

He was widely celebrated for his contributions to Nollywood and for his role in mentoring and encouraging many people within and outside the entertainment industry.

His burial is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, following a wake and other funeral activities planned by his family.