I just wanted you safe: Nigerian stylist Swanky Jerry’s emotional farewell to Alexx Ekubo
By Valerian Khakayi, May 14, 2026Nigerian celebrity stylist and fashion entrepreneur Jeremiah Ogbodo, also known as Swanky Jerry, has penned an emotional farewell following the death of Alexx Ekubo.
The entertainment industry has been plunged into mourning following the actor’s passing, with friends, colleagues and fans continuing to share heartfelt tributes celebrating his life, talent and legacy.
In a deeply emotional message shared on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Swanky Jerry reflected on the pain of losing someone he described as more than a friend, recalling the bond they shared long before fame and public recognition.
“There are some losses that completely change the sound of your life. This is one of them”, Jerry wrote, expressing difficulty in finding the right words to capture his grief.
“I have tried over and over again to put this pain into words, but nothing feels enough. Nothing explains what it feels like to lose someone who has been part of your journey, your growth, your laughter, your struggles, your private moments, your becoming.”
He went on to describe their private moments away from the spotlight, saying their friendship was built on genuine connection, shared struggles and constant support.
“Before the cameras.Before the spotlight. Before the applause. Before the world knew my name,” he added.
More than a friend
In addition, Swanky Jerry said Ekubo was one of the few people who stood by him through different phases of life, describing him as a loyal friend and a brother.
“You were there. You were one of the people who saw me long before the success and stood by me through every phase of life.We were there for each other through moments nobody saw. The real moments. The human moments,” Jerry stated.
“The conversations.The check-ins.The prayers.The laughter that lasted for hours.The support that didn’t need explanation. You were more than a friend.You were a brother. Some people enter your life and become part of your journey forever. That was you.”
He admitted that he keeps replaying their conversations and revisiting old messages, struggling to accept the reality of the loss.
“And now my heart is struggling to understand how someone who felt so present in my life can suddenly be gone. I keep replaying conversations in my head.I keep hearing your voice. I keep reading old messages and wishing this was all just a terrible dream. Because all I kept trying to do was make sure you were okay. I just wanted you safe. I just wanted you here,” he added.
“I never imagined those conversations would someday become memories I would hold onto this tightly.”
Jerry on Ekubo’s personality
Swanky Jerry further described the late actor as kind, supportive and deeply genuine, noting that he had a unique ability to make people feel seen and welcomed.
“The world saw talent. The world saw charisma. The world saw light. But I had the privilege of knowing the person behind all of it. A loyal friend.A supportive brother. A genuinely good human being,” he said.
“You had a way of making people feel welcomed. You had a way of showing up for people.And no matter how loud life became around us, our friendship remained real. I still cannot believe I am writing this.I still cannot believe I won’t hear your voice again. I still cannot believe life could be this unfair.”
“Too young.Too sudden.Too painful. But even in this unbearable grief, I thank God for the gift of knowing you. Thank you for every prayer.Every conversation.Every laugh. Every moment of encouragement. Every moment you stood beside me through life.”
Alexx’s death
Known for his charm and versatility, Alexx Ekubo built a successful career in Nollywood and became one of the industry’s most recognised faces.
His family confirmed his death, saying he passed away after a brief battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
“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,” the statement read in part.