The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning in the year of 2026 as a couple of actors in the industry has passed away.
In the early hours of today, ENigeria Newspaper gathered that popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died at age 40 after cancer complications, joining a number of Nollywood celebrities who have already passed on this year.
ENigeria Newspaper gathers a list of Nollywood actors that have passed away in the year 2026, including Alexx Ekubo.
Alex Ekubo (May 12, 2026)
Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has passed away in the early hours of today. Several media personalities have now confirmed that the news of his passing away today and condolences ahve begun to pour in for the deceased, families and loved ones.
Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke was a Nigerian actor, entertainer, and humanitarian who was best known for his roles in Nollywood romantic comedies and dramas. He was regarded as one of the most lucrative and versatile talents in modern African cinema.
Davis Offor
Veteran Nollywood actor Davis Offor, best known for playing Clarus in the classic sitcom “The New Masquerade,” passed away on April 7.
His passing was revealed by fellow Nollywood actor Tony Akposheri, who co-starred with him as Zacky in the hit television series. Akposheri posted an emotional tribute on his Facebook page, lamenting the loss of his longtime friend and colleague.
Oby Kereche (Madam Koi Koi)
Oby Kechere, a Nigerian actress and director best known for playing Ms. Koi Koi in the 2002 comedy classic Aki na Ukwa, passed away on April 27, 2026, after a protracted illness.
Uche Agbo, National President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), made the announcement of her passing away.
Solomon Akiyesi
Just few hours after news of Madam Koi Koi’s death broke out, news of actor Solomon Akiyesi’s passing also made headlines. Over the years, Akiyesi gained fame in the entertainment business for her roles in a number of Nollywood productions.
The well-known actor reportedly passed away in his sleep at his home in Abuja.
Ajara Lasisi (Aunty Ajara)
On February 5, 2026, actress Ajara Lasisi, affectionately known as Aunty Ajara, died at the age of 31, causing a double sorrow for the Yoruba film industry. The actress, who was pregnant at the time, reportedly passed away in a Lagos hospital following a valiant fight against a liver-related ailment.
Bamidele Oluwatope Saint (Okemesi)
The most recent catastrophe was the death of seasoned comedy actor Bamidele Oluwatope Saint, better known by his stage name Okemesi, on February 24, 2026. The 54-year-old actor, who was born in Ekiti, was a master of the stage and added a distinct flavor to Nollywood with his grasp of his home tongue.
He apparently experienced drug side effects while receiving treatment for a persistent ailment, which caused him to lapse into a coma.
