Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan has publicly challenged media personality Daddy Freeze over comments on the service of songs held for late colleague Alexx Ekubo.
The exchange stems from the night of tributes event on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. Attendees wore all white for the celebration of Ekubo's life and faith.
Ekubo, who passed away on May 11 from complications of metastatic kidney cancer, was remembered through gospel performances and worship sessions featuring artists like Mercy Chinwo and Nathaniel Bassey.
Daddy Freeze, who attended in black attire, later apologised for not adhering to the dress code. He expressed discomfort with the upbeat nature of the event.
In a video, he described the performances as turning the memorial into a concert rather than a solemn gathering with reflective hymns. He questioned the invitation of multiple gospel artists and left early feeling upset.
Mofe Duncan responded on Instagram with a detailed post. He clarified that the event was not a funeral but a "Night of Tributes and Service of Songs."
"The night wasn’t about you or anyone else but ALEXX," Duncan wrote. He noted that hymns such as "Blessed Assurance" were performed and suggested Freeze might have arrived late.
Duncan emphasised that members of Ekubo’s inner circle confirmed the late actor loved worship. A "concert of worship" aligned with what he would have wanted.
He addressed the dress code issue directly. "Maybe you actually thought it was a FUNERAL," Duncan stated, questioning Freeze's basis for criticism.
The actor concluded pointedly: "The audacity to come online and say you were angry and you left. May people not walk out on your own night of tributes."
Media personality Latasha Ngwube joined the response, urging Daddy Freeze to "decenter" himself and leave "main character syndrome at home."
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been divided. Many supported Duncan's defence of the family's choices. Others echoed Freeze's concerns about solemnity in memorials.
The incident has sparked broader online discussions about mourning practices in Nigeria. Some view celebratory worship as fitting for Ekubo's personality, while others prefer traditional reflective tones.
Daddy Freeze has stood by parts of his critique while apologising for the outfit choice. He cited traditional associations of black with mourning.
The service of songs formed part of ongoing tributes. A wake-keep followed on June 17, with funeral rites in Arochukwu, Abia State.
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