The sour taste brought by rumours of Olu Jacobs’ death has been reversed, as the veteran actor’s family released video evidence proving he is alive and well.
In the video, Olu Jacobs can be seen getting a haircut, clearly hale and hearty.
The death rumours originated from an Instagram post by Obaksolo, who paid tribute to the living actor. Olu Jacobs, currently 82 years old, has been battling dementia for several years. According to his wife, Joke Silva, he has been struggling with fading memories.
This isn’t the first time rumours of Olu Jacobs’ death have circulated, but his family has always been quick to dispel them, bringing relief to his fans. The false news of his death still shook the internet, especially amid a string of tragedies in the Nollywood industry.
Veteran Nollywood actor Mr. Ibu was recently laid to rest after battling an illness that led to his leg amputation. Popular Yoruba actor Sisi Quadir passed away a few months ago due to health complications, and actor Junior Pope tragically drowned along with other crew members. Junior Pope’s death was initially met with hope, but he was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.
Nollywood actresses Kate Henshaw, Nkechi Blessing, and Empress Njamah reacted strongly to the false death rumours about Olu Jacobs. Taking to social media, they lamented the insensitivity of spreading such news.
Nkechi Blessing criticized the speed at which people spread false news, saying,
Person never kpai see speed wey una use break d news, if Dem never kee one blogger the rest no go get sense. Who do Nigerians this thing? God forbid!”
Empress Njamah called it a height of disrespect, stating,
HEIGHT OF DISRESPECT TO THE FAMILY AND TO A LEGEND..HOW EVIL CAN YOU BE? FEAR GOD OHH, MY HEART WAS PIERCED, JUST FOR CLOUT AND FOLLOWINGS?”
Kate Henshaw expressed her frustration,
HOW YOU PEOPLE PUT UP RIP POSTS ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS STILL ALIVE, YEAR IN YEAR OUT IS VERY SICKENING, TBH!!! Stop for goodness sake!! UNCLE OLU JACOBS is ALIVE!!!”
In 2021, Joke Silva revealed Olu Jacobs was battling dementia, which has strained their marriage. Despite the challenges, she has always praised him for being an incredible husband and father when he was healthy.
Nollywood actor Yul Edochie also penned a heartfelt note to Olu Jacobs following the death rumors, praying for more life, good health, joy, happiness, and blessings for the veteran actor. He described Jacobs as one of the greatest actors in Africa and expressed his desire to work with him again on set.
More life to you Uncle @_olujacobs. You remain one of the greatest actors in the continent of Africa. I learnt so much from you while working with you on set. You’re loved, respected, and appreciated. May God give you more life, good health, joy, happiness, and blessings. It would be a dream come true to have you on set again. Amen.”
This isn’t the first time Yul Edochie has shown his admiration for Jacobs. In 2022, he eulogized the legendary actor on his 80th birthday, expressing his wish to work with him, which he eventually did, learning much from the experience.
The Nollywood community continues to rally around Olu Jacobs, dispelling rumours and celebrating his enduring legacy.
Also Read: Joke Silva Opens Up About Marital Challenges Amid Husband’s Battle with Dementia
