In this content, Catalystng.com will discuss notable names who passed away as a result of cancer.
This is coming following the death of 40-year-old Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo who died on May 11th, 2026 as a result of advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Recall that Catalystng.com previously reported about 8 Nigerian celebrities who battled cancer and survived it.
Below is the list of public figures who died as a result of cancer, see below;
1. Actress Aisha Abimbola “Omoge Campus”
Fondly known as “Omoge Campus” following her breakout role, Aisha Abimbola was one of the most beloved faces in the Yoruba movie industry. Renowned for her charisma, talent, and natural screen presence, she captivated audiences with memorable performances that earned her widespread admiration among fans and colleagues.
Her death in May 2018 came as a devastating shock to the entertainment industry. The actress had reportedly been battling breast cancer and was undergoing treatment in Canada away from the public eye before she passed away at the age of 46.
Aisha Abimbola’s passing not only left a void in Nollywood but also highlighted the importance of regular health screenings and early detection of breast cancer. Her death sparked conversations across Nigeria about women’s health, encouraging greater awareness and advocacy surrounding the disease, particularly among younger women.
2. Sound Sultan
In July 2021, Nigeria mourned the loss of one of its most celebrated and socially conscious musicians, Sound Sultan. Renowned not only for his musical talent but also for his thought-provoking lyrics, the late artiste used his platform to address issues such as social injustice, poor governance, and everyday challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
Sound Sultan was diagnosed with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Following the diagnosis, he travelled to the United States to undergo treatment, raising hopes among fans and well-wishers that he would overcome the illness.
However, his death at the age of 44 sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond, leaving colleagues, friends, and admirers devastated.
Widely respected for his humility, peaceful nature, and positive influence, Sound Sultan left behind a remarkable legacy of meaningful music that continues to resonate with audiences years after his passing.
In line with Islamic traditions, the late singer was laid to rest on the same day he died at the Marlboro Muslim Cemetery in Morganville, New Jersey, United States.
3. Dora Akunyili
Dora Akunyili remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated public servants, widely recognized for her relentless fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs during her tenure as Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Through her bold reforms and unwavering commitment to public health, Akunyili earned national and international acclaim, becoming a symbol of integrity, transparency, and effective leadership in public service.
Behind her public achievements, however, she was engaged in a prolonged battle with cancer. Despite her deteriorating health, she remained dedicated to national service and continued to participate in important national engagements. One of her most memorable public appearances came during the 2014 National Conference, where she attended and contributed to discussions despite being visibly frail.
Akunyili eventually passed away in June 2014 at a hospital in India after battling uterine cancer, bringing to an end a remarkable career devoted to protecting the lives of Nigerians.
More than a decade after her death, her legacy continues to inspire many across the country. Her courage in confronting powerful interests, commitment to public welfare, and determination to serve despite personal health challenges have cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s modern history.
4. Kabiri Fubara
The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into mourning on December 14, 2021, following the death of talented Nollywood actor Karibi Fubara after a prolonged battle with kidney cancer.
Karibi’s health challenge became public in April 2020 when he was diagnosed with a large mid-stage tumour in his kidney. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a difficult journey that saw the actor undergo extensive medical treatment in a bid to overcome the disease.
In May 2020, he underwent a major surgical procedure during which doctors reportedly succeeded in removing about 90 percent of the tumour. The development initially gave family, friends, colleagues, and fans hope that he would make a full recovery.
Following the surgery, the actor spent the next 19 months undergoing treatment, rehabilitation, and continuous medical care as he fought to regain his health.
Despite his resilience and determination, Karibi Fubara eventually succumbed to complications related to the illness, bringing a heartbreaking end to his courageous battle.
His passing was widely mourned across the Nigerian film industry, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his talent, professionalism, and the memorable roles he played during his career. His legacy continues to live on through the impact he made on Nollywood and the lives of those who knew and admired him.
5. Gani Fawehinmi
Late human rights lawyer and activist Gani Fawehinmi remains one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s democratic history. Popularly known as the “Senior Advocate of the Masses,” Fawehinmi earned widespread respect for his relentless fight for justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
Throughout his lifetime, he stood firmly against oppression and abuse of power, often confronting successive governments and enduring multiple arrests, detentions, and periods of imprisonment because of his activism. His unwavering commitment to defending the rights of ordinary Nigerians made him a symbol of resistance and accountability.
Despite surviving years of political persecution, Fawehinmi later faced a personal battle with lung cancer. He continued to speak out on national issues even as his health deteriorated, displaying the same courage and determination that defined his legal and political struggles.
He passed away in September 2009, bringing to an end a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s human rights movement. However, his legacy continues to inspire generations of lawyers, activists, and citizens advocating for justice and democracy.
Years after his death, the family of the late activist expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring him with a national award in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and the June 12 struggle.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his first son, Mohammed Fawehinmi, thanked the Federal Government for the recognition, describing it as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and democracy.
He also dismissed suggestions that his father would have rejected the honour if he were alive, explaining that the late legal icon only declined a previous national honour because he believed it did not adequately reflect his contributions at the time.
According to Mohammed, the recognition was well deserved, considering his father’s sacrifices and decades-long struggle for a more just and democratic Nigeria.
6. Sunny Okosun
Sunny Okosun was a globally acclaimed music icon whose work transcended entertainment, earning him recognition for powerful songs that promoted African unity, liberation, and pride.
Throughout his career, Okosun used music as a platform for activism, passionately advocating for the end of apartheid in South Africa and consistently championing the dignity and identity of African people. His influence extended across borders, with his messages resonating strongly among audiences on the continent and beyond.
In his later years, he embraced gospel music, continuing to uplift and inspire audiences through spiritually driven performances that further solidified his legacy as a transformative artist.
The legendary musician battled colon cancer for some time before passing away in May 2008 at a hospital in Washington, D.C.
Even in illness, Sunny Okosun remained a symbol of resilience and hope, with his music continuing to inspire generations long after his passing.
7. Ify Onwuemene
Veteran Nollywood actress Ify Onwuemene passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, after a prolonged battle with stage 4 endometrial cancer.
She was widely admired for her outstanding performance as the matriarch in the popular Nigerian television sitcom Everyday People, a role that earned her national recognition and lasting affection from audiences across the country.
Over the course of her career, Onwuemene distinguished herself as a talented and versatile actress, contributing significantly to both television and film in Nigeria.
Her passing was deeply mourned within the entertainment industry, marking the loss of a respected figure whose work left a lasting impression on colleagues, fans, and the broader Nigerian creative space.
8. Sadiq Daba
Sadiq Daba was for decades one of the most recognizable figures on Nigerian television, widely celebrated for his iconic role in Cock Crow at Dawn and his acclaimed performance in the film October 1.
His health struggles later became a matter of national concern after he was diagnosed with leukemia and prostate cancer. The news drew widespread sympathy and support from colleagues, fans, and the general public, who rallied around him during his battle with the illnesses.
Despite undergoing several rounds of treatment and receiving medical care over time, Sadiq Daba passed away in March 2021, marking a significant loss to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Until his final days, he remained committed to advocating for the welfare of veteran actors, consistently speaking out on the need for better support systems and improved conditions within the industry he helped shape.
9. Aduke Gold
Nigerian gospel singer Aduke Gold, born Aduke Ajayi, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, following a battle with cervical cancer. She was 37 years old.
Following her death, conflicting reports circulated online regarding the circumstances surrounding her passing, with some claims suggesting she died from complications linked to fibroid surgery.
However, her elder brother, Pastor Ajayi Aderogbo, publicly dismissed these claims, clarifying that the official cause of death, as stated on her death certificate, was cervical cancer.
He further urged members of the public to disregard misinformation and respect the family’s privacy during their period of mourning.
10. Actress Doris Chima
The then Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State chapter, Emeka Rising, confirmed the death of veteran Nollywood actress Doris Chima in August 2021.
The late actress had previously battled breast cancer and undergone a mastectomy after losing one of her breasts to the disease. Reports indicated that she later died from complications linked to the illness.
Her passing was met with sadness across the Nigerian entertainment industry, where she was respected for her contributions to film and her resilience in the face of serious health challenges.
11. Singer Majek Fashek
Popular legendary reggae singer Majek Fashek, whose real name was Majekodunmi Fasheke, passed away in June 2020 after battling esophageal cancer. He was 58 years old.
His manager, Omenka Uzoma, confirmed the news in a post shared on Instagram, describing him as an African music icon who had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
“It is true that the African legendary icon has gone to be with the Lord his maker,” Omenka said. “I would say we should celebrate his achievements, he has done a lot for Nigeria and for Nigeria. Whatever the family decides, I will get to you. This is all I have to say for now.”
Majek Fashek was widely celebrated for his 1988 album Prisoner of Conscience, which featured one of his biggest hits, Send Down The Rain, a song that earned him international recognition and cemented his legacy in reggae music.
12. Tom Njemanze
The 75-year-old veteran actor died from prostate cancer on July 18, 2025. Tom Njemanze passed away about three weeks after soliciting financial help for an urgent surgery.
13. Alexx Ekubo
Popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo died on May 11th, 2026, at the age of 40 due to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Before he passed away, his absence online was of major concern to movie lovers as his last post on social media was in December 2024.
Following his death, Alexx Ekubo family released an official statement that read;
“From the Family of Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke
After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world.
During this deeply painful time, we humbly ask for privacy and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, and for all who mourn this immense loss.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters will be communicated in due course.
We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family throughout this period.
— For The Family of Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.”
