The Nigerian entertainment industry was once again thrown into mourning following the reported death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo after a prolonged battle with kidney cancer.
Newsonspot reports that his passing has renewed conversations about the devastating impact of cancer, a disease that has continued to claim the lives of many talented entertainers across the world, regardless of fame, influence, or success.
Over the years, several Nollywood stars have courageously battled different forms of cancer before sadly passing away. Their deaths not only left painful gaps in the entertainment industry but also raised awareness about the importance of early detection, treatment, and support for cancer patients.
Read This: Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo Dies at 40 After Reported Battle With Cancer…
Despite the glamour associated with celebrity life, cancer remains one of the deadliest health challenges affecting people from all walks of life. Many actors, actresses, producers, and entertainers have openly shared their struggles with the disease, while others fought their battles privately before their deaths were announced.
The loss of these stars continues to be deeply felt by fans, colleagues, and the Nigerian movie industry as a whole. Their contributions to Nollywood and African entertainment remain unforgettable, even after their passing.
In this article, we take a look at some Nollywood celebrities who lost their lives after brave battles with cancer and the legacies they left behind in the film industry.
Popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo reportedly passed away following complications from kidney cancer. According to his family, the actor succumbed to “advanced metastatic kidney cancer” after what they described as a brief but courageous battle.
Ekubo was celebrated for his roles in numerous Nollywood productions and remained one of the industry’s most admired actors.
Nollywood actor Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, after battling kidney cancer for over a year.
His death was announced by his sister, Aya Eneli, who described him as someone who “lived fully and with joy.”
Karibi gained recognition for his roles in movies and series such as Smart Money Woman, God Calling, Ratnik, and We Speak Dance. He married fashion entrepreneur Yolanda Okereke in 2019.
Veteran actress Ify Onwuemene, best known for her role in the sitcom Everyday People, died after battling endometrial cancer.
Her death was announced by actress Gloria Anozie-Young, who revealed that Onwuemene had undergone several chemotherapy sessions after doctors diagnosed her with stage 4 cancer.
According to Gloria, the actress had her womb removed but continued battling the ailment for years before her death.
Nigerian broadcaster cum actor, Sadiq Daba announced he was diagnosed with Leukemia and Prostate cancer. He died on March 3rd at Ayinke General Hospital, Ikeja.
Nollywood actress, Doris Chima, died after a battle with cancer in August 2021. The news of her death was confirmed by the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Emeka Rising Ibe.
Affectionately known as “Omoge Campus” following her breakout role, Aisha Abimbola was a shining light in the Yoruba movie industry. She was a talent who could command the screen with ease.
Her death in May 2018 came as a shock to many, as she had been receiving treatment for breast cancer in Canada away from the prying eyes of the media at the age of 46.
Her passing served as a sobering reminder to many young women in Nigeria about the importance of early detection and the relentless nature of the disease.
