Tributes are pouring in following the death of Nigerian acting legend Alexx Ekubo, who has passed away aged 40 following a lengthy cancer battle. According to reports, the Nollywood star died at a hospital in Lagos on Monday night. His family said in a statement: “After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

"Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world." They added: "We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family throughout this period."

The star’s family said funeral details will be communicated in due course.

His friends and fans have been sharing tributes for the award-winning actor throughout the day.

Sharing a heartfelt tribute, comedian Ayodeji Richard Makun, 54, penned on Instagram: “We lost Alexx Ekubo, a young man, a colleague, a brother, a talent, and someone many people only knew through the smile he gave the world.

“Watching his lifeless body right in front of me, I can honestly say that even in death, he looked peaceful. He looked like someone who had carried pain quietly for too long and finally found rest. He never shared or disclosed issues concerning his health with any of us. And that is the part that should make all of us pause.”

He added: “Behind the fine pictures, the red carpets, the movie premieres, the jokes, the smiles and the celebrity lifestyle, many public figures are fighting battles nobody can see. Some are battling sickness.

“Some are battling depression. Some are battling loneliness. Some are battling family issues. Some are battling the pressure of being judged by people who do not know them personally.”

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact the Samaritans, call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit https://www.samaritans.org/.