Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard has become a talking point on social media after a video showed him declining a photo request from a female attendee during the service of songs held in honour of late actor Alexx Ekubo.
The event, which took place on June 10, brought together family members, friends, colleagues and fans to celebrate the life of the actor, who reportedly died on May 11, 2026, after a battle with metastatic kidney cancer.
In a viral clip circulating online, Frederick Leonard, dressed in white, was seen moving around the venue and greeting guests when a woman approached him for a photograph. Rather than stop for the picture, the actor turned to continue greeting other mourners, leaving the lady standing nearby.
Watch the video here.
The moment quickly generated debate on social media, with many Nigerians sharing different opinions about the incident.
While some users argued that the event was a solemn occasion and not the appropriate place for celebrity photo opportunities, others felt the actor could have briefly acknowledged the fan before moving on.
Many netizens, however, defended Leonard’s action, insisting that funeral events should remain focused on honouring the deceased and supporting grieving family members.
Nigerians React
@Memnefer wrote:
“Some people are not loved at home. They invited you to come and honour Alex Ekubo at his service of songs but there you are begging Freddie Leonard for a picture. I’m so happy he snubbed her.”
@Adetounmoments commented:
“Freddie Leonard is her crush, what do you expect? I hope he stops being her crush from today.”
@_makkiee reacted:
“Shame wear me lip combo! God forbid.”
@OTF147 said:
“Person want die in peace, una still gather to chase clout. Same thing he avoided.”
Another user argued that celebrities also deserve personal space during emotional moments, adding that not every public appearance should be treated as a fan meet-and-greet session.
Others, however, maintained that a simple photograph would have taken only a few seconds and could have made the fan happy without disrupting the event.
The video has continued to trend across social media platforms, with users divided over whether Frederick Leonard’s response was appropriate or unnecessarily dismissive.
Background
The service of songs for Alexx Ekubo attracted several notable figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry. The event was marked by emotional tributes, prayers and reflections on the actor’s life and career.
Frederick Leonard’s reaction to the photo request has since become one of the most discussed moments from the memorial gathering.
