Former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has appealed to friends, colleagues, fans, and members of the entertainment industry to suspend all birthday celebrations planned in his honour as the industry continues to mourn actor Alex Ekubo.
Rollas made the appeal in a statement shared on Instagram, describing Ekubo’s death as a painful loss that has deeply affected the Nollywood community.
Ekubo reportedly died on Monday, May 11, at the age of 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer, according to a statement released by his family.
In his message, Rollas said the period should be dedicated to reflection, prayer, and unity rather than celebration.
He specifically urged family members, friends, colleagues, and fans not to organise surprise parties or social events to mark his birthday.
“Today would have been a day of celebration for me, but my heart is too heavy for festivities,” he wrote.
Rollas also requested that members of the creative industry across Nigeria observe a two-minute silence in honour of the late actor.
He called on actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals to pause activities on film sets, in studios, offices, cinemas, and homes to remember Ekubo’s contributions to the industry.
“Let us pause together to remember a man whose talent, warmth, laughter, and presence touched so many lives,” he stated.
During Rollas’ tenure as AGN president, Ekubo served as Special Assistant on Youth Development within the guild.
The former AGN president said the actor’s impact extended beyond film, noting that his personality and presence left lasting memories among colleagues and fans.
He concluded by praying for strength for those grieving the actor’s passing and for eternal rest for Ekubo’s soul.
