Road construction has begun leading to the family house of the late Nollywood star Alex Ekubo, as final preparations gather pace ahead of his burial ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Videos circulating on social media show a tractor pouring gravel on the road leading to the actor’s residence, with the access route undergoing emergency repairs to ensure smooth movement for the hundreds of guests, colleagues, and dignitaries expected to attend the final rites. The newly completed access road is part of a broader effort to clear access routes and facilitate easy movement for mourners.
Governor Otti’s Intervention
The road construction project was spearheaded by the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti. Speaking at Ekubo’s service of songs held on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, Pastor Eno Jerry—wife of renowned gospel minister Pastor Jerry Eze—revealed that Governor Otti personally reached out to the actor’s family after learning of his passing.
“When the news got to His Excellency’s attention, it met him with a lot of shock and sadness. And as soon as he heard about Alex, he swung into motion,” she said.
According to Pastor Eno Jerry, Governor Otti spoke with the actor’s mother and offered words of comfort during the difficult period. He then pledged to make the road leading to the actor’s hometown motorable ahead of the burial, alongside financial support and security for all those expected to attend.
She described the late actor as a proud son of Abia State who never hid his love for his culture and hometown, Arochukwu.
Public Outrage and Mixed Reactions
The emergency road construction has sparked significant outrage on social media. Many Nigerians have questioned why politicians only acted after the actor’s death, noting that the road should have been fixed long ago.
One commentator wrote: “So Alex had to die for them to construct this road, so he had to pay with his life”. Another remarked: “Painful. Wicked politicians”.
Others expressed a more poignant sentiment. A Facebook user, Chidinma Inspires, wrote: “Just take a look at the massive development his death is bringing to his community. Wow! His grace is unmatched… But still… I would rather choose him to be alive than this development whatsoever”.
Some speculated that the road work might have been part of Ekubo’s final wishes before his passing.
Burial Arrangements
The actor passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40, after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.
According to the official funeral programme released by the Ekubo family:
· Service of Songs: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – The Monarch Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos
· Wake Keep: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State
· Funeral Service & Reception: Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu
· Interment: Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Family house, 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Arochukwu
The service of songs in Lagos drew a heavy turnout of Nollywood stars, including Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, and Ruth Kadiri. Gospel ministers Peterson Okopi, Ebuka Songs, Pastor Jerry Eze, Nathaniel Bassey and Kaestrings ministered at the event.
Guests have been asked to maintain a white dress code throughout the ceremonies.
A Legacy Remembered
Alex Ekubo was widely known for his roles in numerous Nollywood productions and remained one of the industry’s most recognisable faces throughout his career. His sudden passing at 40 has left the Nigerian entertainment industry in deep mourning.
As the final burial rites approach, the road leading to his family home now stands as a symbol of both the love his community has for him—and the painful irony that it took his death to bring development to his doorstep.
The funeral train will move from Lagos to Abia State this week, where Ekubo will finally be laid to rest at his family compound in Arochukwu.
