The ace Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs is still alive.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, her wife made this known while dismissing her death rumor.
Unconfirmed reports online had alleged that the veteran actor died on Sunday after a prolonged battle with dementia.
But speaking on the development, his wife, Joke, debunked the rumour, saying “her husband is alive and doing just fine.”
In a statement on her Instagram story, Silva said that her husband was alive and doing well.
She wrote, “Good day everyone, trust all is going well. The Jacobs Clan would love to inform you that Papa J (Olu Jacobs MFR), is alive and well; enjoying himself as always in the comfort of his home and loved ones.”
Similarly, on Sunday, June 30, Betty Irabor, a Nigerian writer and columnist debunked the rumour on her social media handles, saying, “Olu Jacob is well and alive..pls ignore all rumors of his passing.”
Fondly called Uncle Olu by his colleagues and teeming admirers, Olu Jacobs has made his mark in the Nigeria’s movie industry.
With more than 40 years acting experience under his belt, Jacobs is seen as a bridge between the old and new breed of actors.
Trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, England, Jacobs remains one of Africa’s creative gifts to the world, having worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and starred in some international movies.
In 2007 he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Olu Jacobs has distinguished himself as a godfather in Nollywood, paving a successful path for many emerging actors and actresses in the industry.
His love for acting was inspired by the late legendary film maker, Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party which held at Colonial Hotel in Kano.
Thereafter, he travelled to England where he studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He has been described as ‘one of Nollywood’s finest actors, best role interpreter and the best manipulator of words’.
For his dedication to his acting career spanning over five decades, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.’
Olu Jacobs is married to veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of film production, distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
He is considered one of the top Nigerian Nollywood actors.”
