The death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo as a result of kidney cancer has kick-started a conversation about the brutality of the disease.
While Alexx Ekubo was not lucky, some celebrities once faced similar life-threatening battles but survived them.
Alexx Ekubo’s family confirmed that the actor passed away on May 11th, 2026, at the age of 40, at Evacare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, as a result of advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
The post 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.
β For The Family of Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.”
See the post below;
Over the years, several Nigerian celebrities have courageously shared their battles with cancer, inspiring many with their stories of strength, survival, and hope.
From emotional moments on hospital beds to triumphant returns to the spotlight, these public figures have proven that cancer survival is possible through early detection, proper treatment, and resilience.
Below are Nigerian celebrities who battled cancer and lived to share their powerful journeys.
1. Wole Soyinka – Prostate cancer survivor
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka revealed that he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in 2013 following routine medical examinations.
According to Soyinka, the illness was detected early, allowing him to undergo successful treatment, including advanced therapy, after which he fully recovered.
The literary icon later used his experience to advocate for regular medical screening among Nigerian men, stressing that early detection played a major role in saving his life and preventing serious complications.
2. Singer Banky W – Skin Cancer Survivor
Singer and politician Banky W revealed in 2017 that he had undergone multiple surgeries after battling a rare form of skin cancer located on his shoulder.
Reports at the time confirmed that the singer underwent his third surgery in 2017 after first confronting the illness years earlier. By 2018, Banky W shared that medical tests showed he was βin the clear,β although he admitted that recovery came with lingering pain and sensitivity around the surgery area.
In 2024, the singer disclosed that he had undergone a fourth surgery as part of his continued health journey.
Reflecting on his experience, Banky W described his survival journey as one marked by repeated surgeries, recovery periods, and resilience.
He also used his platform to encourage Nigerians to take regular health checks seriously, stressing that early detection can save lives and improve treatment outcomes.
He wrote, “Final Score –
Christ 4 – Cancer Tumors 0
Sometimes, your faith in God will not prevent the storms from coming… but it will carry you through them. Faith won’t always stop you from hurting, but it will help you heal, and it will help you deal.
God never said the weapons wouldn’t form, He promised that they wouldn’t prosper. He never said the enemy wouldn’t come… He promised that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of God would raise a standard against him.
Posting this testimony to encourage anyone out there who is going through a challenge. It might seem bigger than you, but greater is He that is in you than anything you will face in this world.
Grateful for my wife, family, friends, and Pastors for their love, prayers, and support. Thanking God for my health and trusting that this latest victory is final in Jesus’ name.
Appreciating the gifted hands and minds of my doctors, Dr. Onyewu of the Center for Advanced Specialty Surgery, and Dr. Adenuga of Euracare and the teams that support them.
We have the victory yet again. Now and forever, in Jesus’ name.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28.”
See the post below;
3. Tope Osoba – Breast cancer survivor
Veteran Nollywood actress Tope Osoba, in November 2024, opened up about her battle with breast cancer, revealing that she fought the illness for several years.
The actress explained that the health challenge took a heavy toll on her both physically and financially, forcing her to spend long periods undergoing treatment while also taking breaks from acting and public appearances.
According to Tope Osoba, the illness led to hair loss and required intensive medical treatment during her recovery journey.
Despite the difficult experience, the actress later emerged as a symbol of strength, survival, and hope, inspiring many Nigerian women battling similar health conditions.
4. Charly Boy – Prostate cancer survivor
Nigerian singer-songwriter and television host Kenny Saint Brown revealed in 2023 that he underwent surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The entertainer publicly shared details of his hospital experience, expressing gratitude to his doctors and medical team for their support throughout the treatment process.
He also used the opportunity to encourage men to take prostate screening seriously and avoid ignoring regular medical checkups, stressing the importance of early detection.
5. Vast of Bracket – Lymphoma Survivor
Singer Vast of the music duo Bracket battled lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, after he was diagnosed in the United Kingdom in 2013.
Speaking in a recent interview, Vast revealed that he underwent seven months of intensive chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and spinal injections as part of his treatment process.
The singer recounted how difficult the experience was, admitting that he nearly lost his life during treatment.
According to him, the treatment process at some point felt even more dangerous and painful than the illness itself, as he struggled through several challenging medical procedures before eventually recovering.
6. Aproko Doctor – Brain Tumour survivor
Health influencer and medical doctor Aproko Doctor revealed in 2022 that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour that affected his vision.
According to him, he underwent a successful surgical procedure and later recovered from the condition.
Following his recovery, Aproko Doctor returned to social media with a renewed commitment to health education, using his experience to advocate for early detection, regular medical checkups, and increased health awareness among Nigerians.
7. Mercy Johnson – Thyroid tumour scare
Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has opened up about a serious health scare she once faced involving her thyroid, which ultimately required surgery.
According to her, doctors had to remove her thyroid gland after medical concerns raised the possibility of cancer, and she was subsequently placed on lifelong medication to manage her condition.
The actress revealed that the experience was life-changing for her, especially as it happened shortly after she had welcomed a child, making the recovery period even more emotionally and physically challenging.
Despite the health condition, Mercy Johnson has continued to remain active in the Nigerian film industry, while also carefully managing her long-term medical needs.
8. Zainab Balogun – Tumour-related health scare
Nollywood actress Zainab Balogun once took a break from acting after revealing she was battling a serious health condition linked to tumour-related complications.
The actress later made a return to the screen in 2022, where she opened up about her recovery journey and the emotional and physical toll the illness had taken on her.
Speaking after her return, Zainab Balogun also used her experience to encourage Nigerians to prioritise regular medical checkups and early detection, stressing the importance of paying attention to oneβs health before conditions become severe.