Pete Edochie remembers Alex Ekubo after his passing

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has shared a heartfelt tribute to the late Alex Ekubo. He described Ekubo as “a man of honour” and said his death has created a big gap in the Nigerian film industry.

Ekubo often acted alongside Edochie, usually playing his son. Edochie, who is 79 years old, spoke up days after Ekubo was buried in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State. He reflected on their time together and shared that Ekubo was planning a big celebration for his 80th birthday next year.

In a post on Instagram on Thursday, Edochie talked about how life is short. He quoted William Shakespeare, saying: “All the world is a stage, and all men and women are mere players; they have their exits, and they have their entrances.”

“Finally, my son Alex Ekubo has been laid to rest. May the good Lord accept his gentle soul and grant him eternal rest,” Edochie added.

Alex Ekubo passed away on May 11 at the age of 40 after struggling with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. His funeral rites began with a service of songs on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. This was followed by a wake in Arochukwu, Abia State. He was buried on June 18 at his family compound after a funeral service attended by family, friends, and many Nollywood stars.

Edochie shared that he met Ekubo three times. Each time showed Ekubo’s humility, kindness, and respect for older people. Their first meeting was when Ekubo came to his hotel with a cow and traditional Ogene dancers to invite him to the premiere of a movie he made with fellow actor Stan Nze.

Edochie said the welcome he received at that event is one of the most unforgettable moments of his career. “I was ushered onto the red carpet by a masquerade. It was the biggest welcome I had ever received in Lagos. I am never likely to forget it,” he recalled.

He also remembered another visit when Ekubo came with his siblings to greet him, and a third time when Ekubo brought fruits, presented him with a kola nut, and gave him ₦100,000, after which he prayed for him.

Edochie revealed that Ekubo was planning a big party for his upcoming 80th birthday. “I was told he was planning big for my 80th birthday, which by the grace of God would be next year. He is gone now. Alex was a man of honour,” he stated.

The veteran actor also praised IK Ogbonna, who stood by Ekubo’s family during the funeral and mourning. “I want to thank IK Ogbonna especially. He proved himself a friend both in life and in death. IK, it shall be well with you,” he said.

Edochie described Ekubo as someone whose influence went beyond acting. He said, “Alex came, he saw, and left an indelible impression.”