Nollywood star Uzor Arukwe has spoken about the reason he chose not to immediately make a public statement following the death of fellow actor Alexx Ekubo.
Taking to Instagram, Arukwe explained that his silence should not have been mistaken for a lack of concern. Rather, he said it reflected the deeply personal way he processed the loss, a grief he found difficult to articulate in the days after the tragic news emerged.
Alexx passed away on May 11 after battling complications arising from liver cancer. Arukwe noted that certain losses are not instantly expressed through social media updates, but instead linger quietly, weighing heavily on the heart.
According to the actor, learning of Alexx Ekubo’s death left him devastated and emotionally overwhelmed, making it challenging to publicly share what he was feeling.
He acknowledged that many people had questioned why he had not posted a tribute, photograph, or message online. However, he explained that he was simply unable to find words that adequately captured the depth of his emotions.
Describing the experience, Arukwe said it was marked by shock and disbelief, the kind of moment when the mind struggles to accept painful reality and continues to hope the news is untrue.
Looking back on his connection with the late actor, he recounted meeting Alexx for the first time while working on a film project produced by Dabby Chimere.
He remembered Alexx as someone who was welcoming, approachable, and naturally kind. In his view, the late actor carried himself with sincerity and ease, free from pretence or unnecessary showmanship.
His calm nature and genuine spirit, Arukwe said, left a lasting impression on those who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
The actor further shared that hearing personal accounts from individuals who knew Alexx more intimately gave him a deeper appreciation of the legacy he left behind.
He said the countless tributes and messages that followed Alexx’s passing highlighted an important truth, that beyond success, popularity, and accomplishments, people are ultimately remembered for how they treated those around them.
He wrote in part: “I’ve been quiet. And I know some people wondered why I didn’t post… The truth is, I didn’t know what to say. Some losses don’t meet you online first; they sit with you quietly… Grief comes with silence too. Not every goodbye needs a post.”
See the post below
View this post on Instagram
Here are some of the reactions from netizens
@cossy_love shared: “Seeing this post makes me cry so much cos I just lost my father in-law”
@iamuchechieke noted: “Well said, his death made me more conscious about people and I find myself asking what will Alex do? Thank you for living a life of emulation… rest in peace kind hear”
@lionqueenofficial stated: “I just started crying again! Never met Alex but his death hit me like he’s my family. There was definitely something about his life and spirit. May God grant him eternal rest and light up his path.”
