When Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo’s remains arrived for burial on Thursday, the ancient town of Arochukwu, Abia State, was overcome with grief and tears.
After a protracted fight with kidney cancer, the actor passed away on May 11 at the age of 40. His remains was transported home in a convoy, stopping briefly at the Eze Arochukwu palace before continuing on to his family’s estate.

The monarch and one of his chiefs were seen praying over the actor’s coffin in a widely shared video.

When Ekubo’s sister saw the coffin, her emotions were running high. As she attempted to board the ambulance carrying her brother’s body, she broke down in sobs and needed to be restrained. Crowds of spectators and supporters swarmed the streets to pay their final respects after seeing the terrible event.

In Arochukwu, a number of his coworkers also showed up to honor him. Yomi Casual, Omoni Oboli, Ini Edo, Kevin Ikeduba, and IK Ogbonna participated in a somber march around the community. In remembrance, they held his pictures and wore T-shirts with the late actor’s visage emblazoned on them.

In his hometown, Ekubo is still being buried today.