A wave of grief has swept through the Nigerian diaspora in Britain tonight. Alexx Ekubo, the charismatic Nollywood actor and model, has died at the age of 40 after a battle with cancer. He passed away in a Lagos hospital surrounded by family, according to a statement from his publicist.
Ekubo was more than a screen presence. He was a symbol of the vibrant cultural bridge between Nigeria and the UK, with a massive following among diaspora communities in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. His films, including 'Weekend Getaway' and 'The Wedding Party', were staples of diaspora cinema screenings. His Instagram, with over 3 million followers, was a daily source of style and wit for fans across the Atlantic.
The news broke early this evening on Nigerian social media. Within hours, tributes poured in from British-Nigerian figures. Actor John Boyega tweeted: 'Heartbroken. Alexx was a king. Rest in power.' Labour MP Kate Osamor, whose Edmonton constituency has a large Nigerian community, called him 'a light for our community.'
But the loss is also a stark reminder of the health disparities faced by the diaspora. Sources close to Ekubo's camp say he was diagnosed late. 'He had symptoms for months. He put off going to the hospital,' a close friend told me. 'Too many of our people do that.' It is a pattern that rings alarm bells in public health circles. The UK's Nigerian community has higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnosis. Campaigners have long called for better outreach.
Down in Westminster, the mood is somber. Aides to the Foreign Office minister for Africa confirm they are monitoring the situation. The Nigerian High Commission has yet to issue an official statement. But the sentiment is clear: Ekubo was an unofficial ambassador. His death is a blow to soft power ties.
The game now is about legacy. Will the UK government acknowledge his impact? Will there be a parliamentary tribute? I am told some MPs are already drafting a motion. But the real story is the grassroots wake. In Peckham, a small vigil is planned for tomorrow night.
Ekubo's career was on an upward trajectory. He had recently signed a deal with a London-based production company for a series targeting the diaspora. That project is now in limbo. His family has asked for privacy. But the noise from the community will only grow.
Cancer does not discriminate. But its toll on black communities, at home and abroad, is a story that demands attention. Tonight, the grief is raw. Tomorrow, the questions begin.
