David Ochayi
(Actor Uzor Arukwe. Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria)
Nollywood star Uzor Arukwe has finally broken his silence with a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague, Alex Ekubo, whose passing left the entertainment industry in mourning.
Ekubo tragically succumbed to metastatic kidney cancer on May 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with the illness.
In an emotional Instagram post, Arukwe revealed that his delayed response stemmed from profound grief, explaining that some losses cut too deep for immediate words. He described the surreal hope that accompanies such news—wishing it were somehow mistaken rather than an irreversible truth.
Arukwe reminisced about their first encounter on the set of *Dabby Chimere*, where Ekubo’s kindness and humility left an indelible impression. The late actor’s authenticity, he noted, matched the glowing descriptions shared by those who knew him best.
Reflecting on the outpouring of tributes, Arukwe emphasized that Ekubo’s legacy would endure not through accolades, but through the lives he touched with his generosity and unwavering spirit.
He defended his initial quietness as a personal form of mourning, asserting that grief isn’t always performative—sometimes, it unfolds in private moments of prayer or silent remembrance.
Concluding with a poignant Igbo farewell, Arukwe expressed gratitude for Ekubo’s light and wished him eternal rest, holding onto the hope of a reunion beyond this life.
