Family, friends and colleagues of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo gathered in Lagos on Wednesday, June 10, for a Service of Songs celebrating his life and legacy, while several moments from the event sparked controversy online.
The memorial, held at the Monarch Event Center, is the beginning of the actor’s final funeral rites after his death on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40, following a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Actors, musicians and television personalities, including Funke Akindele, IK Ogbonna, Frank Edoho, Chike, Ini Edo, AY Makun, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Nancy Isime and Yvonne Jegede, attended the gathering, where guests wore white in line with the event’s dress code.
One of the incidents that drew attention involved actress and reality TV star BamBam, who reportedly revealed that her mobile phone was missing shortly after the program ended. Videos shared online showed the visibly worried actress searching for the device with the help of other attendees. It was not immediately clear whether the phone was recovered.
The incident prompted reactions on social media, with many users expressing disappointment that a theft could occur during a memorial service.
Nancy Isime also became a topic of discussion after attending the event in a white gown with an eye scarf. While some social media users described the outfit as too glamorous for the occasion, others pointed out that white was the chosen dress code for attendees.
Veteran actress Shaffy Bello also attracted attention after declining an interview at the venue. In a video shared online, an interviewer approached her with the words, “My question is simple,” but Bello replied, “Question? No, no, no,” before walking into the hall. Many commenters supported her decision, saying the event should remain focused on paying respects.
Socialite Cubana Chiefpriest attended the service, reviving online discussions about his earlier “outside cemetery chilling” remark at another funeral, although he made no public comments during the memorial.
Several tributes revealed the emotional mood of the evening.
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo addressed Alexx Ekubo’s widow, Anwuli, and encouraged her to remain strong while sharing his own experience of losing his wife.
“In his own infinite way, the spirit of Alexx will live forever in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said. “My beloved daughter, his wife, Anwuli, you’ve been strong. You’ve been very strong.”
He added, “The Lord will continue to strengthen you, and by his grace, what the devil meant for evil, my Almighty God will turn to good.”
Videos from the event also showed Anwuli breaking down in tears as gospel singer Kaestrings performed “Rahama,” with family members and friends offering support throughout the performance.
Alexx Ekubo’s father, Mazi Alex Ekubo, shared an emotional tribute that one of his sons read on his behalf.
“The day I received the news of your passing was the darkest day of my life. I never imagined I would live to write a tribute to my son,” the message read.
The actor’s sister-in-law also spoke about his marriage, saying her family immediately accepted him when he sought Anwuli’s hand in marriage.
“When Ikenna came forth, we knew he was the one,” she said. “He was an intentional lover. If you want to experience love, you need to see Ikenna and Anwuli.”
She described him as someone who cared deeply for both relatives and those around him and said he had fulfilled his purpose.
The Service of Songs is the start of Alexx Ekubo’s final farewell before his burial in Abia State, as family, colleagues and fans remembered him for his contributions to Nollywood and the lives he touched throughout his career.
