Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has spoken out following the death of colleague Alex Ekubo, saying the late star was right to keep his personal life private.

Edochie’s comments came after news broke that Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026, at age 40, was secretly married before his passing. The actor’s family referred to him as a “beloved husband” in their official statement, a detail that surprised many fans and colleagues.

In a post shared, Edochie wrote: 

“He shouldn't have hidden anything from anyone. It wasn't necessary. People must learn to stop worrying about what people say. No matter what you do in life people must talk. So leave them to talk. Leave blogs to blog. To be great in life you must never make yourself small for any one or any reason. Give them things to talk about while you ignore them and enjoy your life.”

The post was a reaction to another tweet by comedian Nasboi, who noted that Ekubo “kept his marriage away from the vulture internet” and criticised blogs for now digging up details about his wife. “These blogs are vampires,” Nasboi wrote.

Ekubo’s marriage was first hinted at by Grace Makun, wife of fashion designer Yomi Casual, who mentioned his “wife” in her tribute. Nollywood actress Uche Jombo later confirmed she had met Ekubo’s wife, saying they sat together after his death. “Through the tears came heavy laughter and I looked around and said… this is so Alex,” Jombo wrote.

Ekubo died at Evercare Hospital from complications of metastatic kidney cancer. He had been battling the illness privately and underwent a liver transplant in 2024. A service of songs was held on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. He will be buried on June 18 in Arochukwu, Abia State.