As family, friends and colleagues gathered in Arochukwu, Abia State, to bid farewell to late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, one of the most emotional moments of the wake came from his longtime bodyguard, identified as ‘Commando’.
The wake preceded Thursday’s funeral service and interment in the actor’s hometown.
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Speaking at the wake-keep held at the actor’s family residence in Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Commando described the late actor as more than an employer, saying he was a mentor, confidant, brother and father figure to his son.
“A tribute to my boss, my mentor, big brother, friend, Alex Ekubo. I always call him Doc — that’s doctor, Chief Ikuku, Ikenna,” he said.
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“I named my son after you, Ikenna, because you were a great father to him. For years, I had the privilege of working with you, learning and laughing with you. I thought it would last longer.”
“You were not just my boss; you were my mentor, my big brother, my confidence, one of the most important people in my life.”
shattered
During the tribute, Commando struggled to contain his emotions as he recounted years spent working closely with the actor.
The bodyguard said he had continued to struggle with the reality of the actor’s death, describing the loss as devastating.
“I keep wishing this is all a prank. I keep hoping that somehow you will call me the way you always did. I opened your door expecting you to step out the way you always do.
“All day I stayed at the door calling ‘Chief Ikuku’. You left me shattered. Your Commando is shattered. I will miss you. I will miss our endless gists and our endless conversations.”
Mr Ekubo, one of Nollywood’s most recognisable leading actors, died on 11 May after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He was 40.
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and industry stakeholders, many of whom remembered him for his charisma, generosity and decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.
Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition, before establishing himself as one of Nollywood’s leading actors. Over the years, he featured in numerous films and television productions, earning a reputation for his versatility and screen presence.
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Funeral rites
His funeral rites began with a service of songs in Lagos on 10 June before moving to Arochukwu for the wake-keep and burial ceremonies.
The family had described him as a man whose life was marked by “love, warmth, generosity, laughter and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished.”
