The Imo-born actor reportedly slumped and died around 9pm on Tuesday, January 26.
His wife was said to have called fellow actor Desmond Elliot to announce the death to him.
The death comes one month after Ernest said in a Premium Times interview that he was ready to return to acting.
“Yes, I am back, better, and stronger. I miss going to movie locations, my colleagues, and the financial benefits of my job,” he said.
A video of the actor begging for help on the street went viral on social media in January 2020.
It was recorded in the Oke-Afa area of Lagos by some friends who came visiting from Germany.