Not every goodbye needs a post, Uzor Arukwe explains silence after Alexx Ekubo’s death

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has revealed that grief and disbelief were the reasons he stayed away from making a public statement after the death of his colleague, Alexx Ekubo.

Arukwe, in a lengthy tribute shared on Instagram, said he struggled to find the right words following Ekubo’s passing, adding that some losses are experienced privately before they are expressed publicly.

The actor said the news of Ekubo’s death left him hoping it was a mistake, noting that his silence was not a lack of concern but a personal way of processing the loss.

“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,” Arukwe wrote.

“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.’”

Arukwe recalled meeting Ekubo on the set of Dabby Chimere’s production, describing the late actor as a humble and welcoming colleague who lived up to the reputation of being a gentleman.

According to him, hearing stories from people who had known Ekubo more closely reinforced the importance of kindness and how people treat others beyond their professional achievements.

“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,” he said.

The actor added that grief does not always require public expressions, saying some farewells are carried silently through prayers, memories, and personal reflections.

Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026, after a battle with metastatic kidney cancer, was remembered by Arukwe as a man whose warmth and character left a lasting impression.

“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,” Arukwe wrote.