Nigeria, June 18 -- As family, friends and colleagues gathered in Arochukwu, Abia State, to bid farewell to late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, one of the most emotional moments of the wake came from his longtime bodyguard, identified as 'Commando'.

The wake preceded Thursday's funeral service and interment in the actor's hometown.

Speaking at the wake-keep held at the actor's family residence in Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Commando described the late actor as more than an employer, saying he was a mentor, confidant, brother and father figure to his son.

"A tribute to my boss, my mentor, big brother, friend, Alex Ekubo. I always call him Doc - that's doctor, Chief Ikuku, Ikenna," he said.

"I named my son after you, Ikenna, because you were...