Family members and colleagues paid tribute to late actor Alexx Ekubo at a service of songs held in his honour on Wednesday at the Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.
Among those who spoke was his sister-in-law, who reflected on how the actor met and married her sister, Anwili, describing him as a devoted husband and family man.
Speaking during the event, she explained why the family welcomed him and trusted him with their daughter.
She said, “Anwili, my sister, it was difficult for us. We were very particular about who she ends up with because she’s a special breed. But when Ikenna (Alex Ekubo) came forth, we knew no one else deserved her but Ikenna. We knew she was safe with him because he was an intentional lover. If you thought you’ve ever known or experienced love, you needed to experience Ikenna and Anwili. He was very intentional. My mother was safe with him because we saw how he loved his family. Because we’re very intentional in our own family too. So it wasn’t a thing of bother to let our jewel go to Ikenna because we saw how particular he was about family. Family not just being by blood. If Ikenna loved you, you’ve become family. The purest of them. Ikenna came and his mission fulfilled. Yes, might be short, but who are we to say it were short? One thing we’re certain of, one thing I know is that Ikenna returned empty. He emptied of himself. He didn’t return back to his maker with anything. He emptied himself of every virtue he came into this life with. He was a crazy lover of Jesus. A radical lover of God. That’s our consolation. That he came, he saw, he conquered and returned fulfilled.”
Other tributes came from actors Stan Nze, IK Ogbonna, Omoni Oboli, Nancy Isime and Segun Arinze, who shared memories of the late actor and his impact on those around him.
The gathering drew many figures from the entertainment and gospel music industries, including Ini Edo, Ayo Makun, Yomi Casual, Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Ruth Kadiri, Kate Henshaw, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Mbong Amata, Blessing Obasi, Nkechi Blessing, Bambam, Funny Bone, Uti Nwachukwu and Chigul.
Alexx’s family had earlier announced the funeral arrangements in a statement released in May. According to the programme, the service of songs was scheduled for June 10 in Lagos, while a wake keep will take place on June 17 in Arochukwu, Abia State. He will be buried on June 18, followed by an interment and reception in his hometown.
News of the actor’s death emerged on May 11. He was 40 years old.
