Nigerian columnist Betty Irabor has refuted claims circulating online that veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has passed away. Irabor confirmed in a social media post on Sunday that Jacobs is “well and alive,” urging the public to disregard the rumors.
This misinformation is not new, as similar false reports about Jacobs’ death have surfaced in the past. In June 2020 and August 2022, similar rumors spread on social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. Each time, official spokespeople and Jacobs’ wife, Joke Silva, debunked the news, with Silva even threatening legal action against those perpetuating the false information.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olu Jacobs studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He began his career in the UK, appearing in various British television shows and films, before returning to Nigeria in the late 1980s. His return heralded a prolific career in Nollywood, where he has since become a beloved and iconic figure.