Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has broken his silence on the death of his close friend and colleague, Alex Ekubo, revealing that he still instinctively reaches for his phone to call the late actor.
In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram on Tuesday, Ogbonna described Ekubo’s death as a devastating loss that has reshaped his understanding of life, grief and faith.
“On May 11, I lost my best friend and brother, Alexx. Nothing prepares you for a loss like that,” he wrote.
Ekubo died on May 12, 2026, at Evercare Hospital, Lagos, after battling complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He was 40.
Reflecting on the loss, Ogbonna said the true weight of death is only understood when it affects someone close.
“You never truly understand the weight of death until it’s your own person inside that vehicle, until the phone stops ringing forever and the chair beside you remains empty,” he said.
The actor disclosed that the past two months had been a difficult journey of trying to understand life, loss and God’s purpose.
He recalled the dreams they shared, including plans to build businesses, make movies, travel the world and raise their families together.
“We truly believed we had time. Neither of us imagined one of us would leave first,” he wrote.
Despite the pain, Ogbonna said his faith has helped him find peace, even though some questions remain unanswered.
“My greatest comfort is knowing that you truly lived. You didn’t merely exist.
You loved, you gave, you laughed loudly and you believed in people,” he said.
He admitted that grief still catches him off guard.
“There are still moments I instinctively reach for my phone, wanting to call you. Then reality quietly reminds me I can’t, and that pain never truly leaves. You simply learn to carry it differently,” he wrote.
Urging people to cherish their loved ones, Ogbonna encouraged Nigerians to express love and appreciation while they still have the opportunity.
“Love people while they can still hear you. Tell them you appreciate them while they can still smile back. Forgive quickly, check on your friends and spend time with your family,” he advised.
Concluding his tribute, the actor thanked Ekubo for their friendship and vowed to honour his memory.
“You may no longer walk beside me, but you will always walk within me. Until we meet again, my brother. Rest well. I love you, always,” he wrote.
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