A 2014 photo of Nollywood actors, Alexx Ekubo and Tope Osoba has resurfaced online, drawing an emotional wave of reactions from fans after both stars died of cancer within months of each other. 

The throwback image, taken while the pair worked together on a movie project, shows a young Ekubo and Osoba smiling together, a moment that has taken on a heavier meaning for many who have seen it circulate since Osoba’s death was confirmed.

Ekubo passed away on May 11, 2026 at the age of 40 after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer, with his family confirming in a statement that he died at Evercare Hospital following what they described as a brief but courageous fight.

His death shook Nollywood, drawing tributes from colleagues including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Yul Edochie and Peter Okoye, among many others.

Osoba’s death was confirmed on August 5, 2026, roughly a year after she reportedly overcame a battle with breast cancer, though an associate of the actress has since addressed claims that she died of kidney cancer. Her passing reignited attention on her earlier connection to Ekubo, with fans digging up old posts and clips of the pair working together, including a 2014 tweet in which Ekubo spoke warmly of her talent and his excitement about their collaboration.

The resurfaced photo and posts have left many online reflecting on how closely linked the two stars’ final years turned out to be, with one social media comment capturing the mood by describing life as fleeting and unpredictable now that both actors have died within the same year.

Photo Credit: Facebook