Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has paid an emotional tribute to his late colleague, Alex Ekubo, revealing why he remained silent in the days following the actor’s death.

In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Arukwe said he struggled to find the right words after learning of Ekubo’s passing, noting that some losses are too painful to process immediately.

According to him, grief often comes quietly, leaving people speechless as they try to come to terms with the reality of losing someone they admired and respected.

Arukwe recalled meeting Ekubo for the first time on the set of filmmaker Dabby Chimere and described him as a warm, humble, and genuinely kind person who made a positive impression on everyone around him.

The actor added that hearing stories from people who knew Ekubo more closely reminded him that a person’s legacy is not defined solely by talent or professional accomplishments, but also by kindness, character, and the way they treat others.

Alex Ekubo passed away on May 11, 2026, following a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. His death has continued to draw tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans across the entertainment industry.

Sharing his thoughts, Arukwe wrote:

“I’ve been quiet. And I know some people wondered why I didn’t post, why I didn’t say anything, why there were no pictures, no captions, no public display of grief.

“The truth is, I didn’t know what to say. Some losses don’t meet you online first; they sit with you quietly. They make you shake your head and say, “Mba… not this person. Not Alex.” You replay the memories and hope someone will call to say there has been a mistake.

“I met Alex Ikenna Ekubo on Dabby Chimere’s set. From day one, he was warm, accommodating, and every bit the gentleman people have described him to be. No noise. No airs. Just a genuinely good man.

“Listening to the stories from those who knew him better, I found myself humbled. It reminded me that at the end of it all, people won’t only remember our talent or our achievements. They will remember our kindness. They will remember how we treated people. They will remember our spirit.

“So silence was my first response to the news of your death because grief comes with silence too. Not every goodbye needs a post. Some are carried in prayer. Some are carried in memories. Some are carried in the heart.

“Alex… Ikuku. Daalụ. For your warmth. For your grace. For the example you left behind. Nọdụ n’udo. We’ll hold the fort on this side until we meet again. Journey well, ezigbo nwoke.”

READ: