Criticism Targets Omoni Oboli for Timing of Alexx Ekubo's Memorial Movie Launch
Nollywood director Omoni Oboli sparks controversy with a tribute film featuring late actor Alexx Ekubo, released just days after his burial, igniting fierce debates across social media.


(Alexx Ekubo. Photo by AlexxEkuboOfficial)

Ossai Ovie, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, has publicly condemned filmmaker Omoni Oboli for premiering her movie starring the late Alexx Ekubo shortly after his funeral.

Oboli had announced the film’s YouTube debut as a tribute to Ekubo, pledging that all proceeds would go to his bereaved family. However, Ossai slammed the timing as insensitive, accusing her of exploiting public mourning for personal gain.

“It’s disheartening to see Omoni Oboli leverage Alexx Ekubo’s burial to hype her film,” Ossai wrote. “Capitalizing on grief for clout and framing it as charity is distasteful. The announcement could have waited—respect should come before revenue.”

He emphasized that funerals should not serve as marketing opportunities, questioning the sincerity behind the donation claim. “Even if earnings go to the family, the optics are questionable. This wasn’t the time.”

Oboli had earlier described the project as a celebration of her decade-long bond with Ekubo, who passed away at 40 from metastatic kidney cancer and was buried in Arochukwu, Abia State.