Actor IK Ogbonna fought back tears as he paid tribute to his late friend and colleague Alexx Ekubo at a service of songs held on Wednesday in Lagos.
The event, which took place at Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, marked the beginning of the funeral rites for the actor, who died on May 11 at the age of 40.
Speaking before family, friends and colleagues, IK described Alexx as more than a friend.
“Alexx was more than just a brother to me. You were more than just a friend; you are blood. You are a brother.”
He spoke about the pain of losing someone he considered family.
“Every day, there is a meme I want to send to you, every day there is a joke I want to send to you. Every day I reach for my phone, I keep thinking there will be one more conversation, one more argument, one more I got you, bro, and that is the part that breaks me more. Would I really get over this loss? I really don’t know.”
Looking towards the sky, IK also shared a personal message to the late actor.
“I will remain a rock for the things you cared about, and as you always said, you’ve got me, keep gotting me oo, one thing I’m sure of is heaven is lit, it’s the vibe because Alexx is a vibe and wherever he steps turns up.”
He added that Alexx often encouraged him to grow closer to God and said that despite their disagreements over the years, they shared far more happy memories than difficult moments.
As IK spoke, fashion designer Yomi Casual was visibly emotional.
Other stars who paid tribute to Alexx included Omoni Oboli, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze and Segun Arinze.
Several celebrities attended the event dressed in white, in line with the family’s request. Among them were Ini Edo, Ayo Makun, 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 announced that a wake will be held on June 17 at the family residence in Arochukwu, Abia State. His funeral service will take place on June 18, followed by interment and a reception.
The actor’s death was announced by his family on May 12. They said he died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after a brief battle with the illness.
Alexx rose to prominence after emerging first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition and went on to build a successful acting career, starring in films and television productions that made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces.
