The family of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death and burial, alleging that immediate relatives were not properly informed about key developments before and after his passing.
Ekubo, 40, reportedly died on May 11 after a prolonged battle with stage 4 kidney cancer. He was buried last week at his grandfather’s compound in Abia State after a service of songs held on June 10 and a wake attended by friends, family members and colleagues.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, David Ekubo, who spoke on behalf of the family, described the events leading to the actor’s death as unclear and suspicious.
David, a cousin of the late actor, alleged that family members who went to retrieve Ekubo’s body from the mortuary were not allowed to view it. He also claimed that the actor’s mother and only biological sibling had yet to receive a formal explanation about the circumstances surrounding his death.
“With grave pain, heaviness and sorrow, the family of Ikenna Alex Ekubo advises the public that the events leading up to his passing have been unclear,” the statement reads.
“The Ekubo family were not informed that he passed on the 11th of May, the Ekubo who officially received Alex’s body from the mortuary was not allowed to view the body.
“Amongst other important facts the Ekubo family did not approve the wearing of white for what seemed to be a celebration of life for a 40year old Alex Ekubo whose life was suddenly cut short.
“The Ekubo family are yet to receive answers on how and why Alex passed away suddenly.
“Alex Ekubo’s only biological sibling @omaalex3 and biological mother who are alive and well are yet to be formally updated about the circumstances surrounding the untimely and suspicious passing of Alex.”
The family’s statement has raised fresh questions over the handling of the actor’s final moments and burial arrangements.
As of the time of filing this report, Ekubo’s management and other representatives had not issued any public response to the claims made by the family.