Tag: Celebrity Death

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

The Jacobs family announced his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, describing the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

In a statement shared by his son and associated with the family, they wrote:

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026.”

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The family also appealed to the media and social media users to respect their privacy during the period of mourning.

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career that spanned more than five decades, establishing himself as one of the most respected actors to emerge from Nigeria.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he began his professional acting career before appearing in several British television productions and international films.

His early credits included appearances in television series such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, Angels and The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in international films including The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).

After returning to Nigeria, He became one of the defining figures of the country’s emerging film industry.

Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films and became particularly recognised for his commanding portrayals of traditional rulers, fathers, politicians, elders and other authoritative characters.

His distinctive voice and screen presence eventually made him one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema, with Jacobs frequently mentioned among the foundational figures of Nollywood.

Jacobs’ contributions to African cinema earned him numerous honours throughout his career.

He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

He was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival, while the Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

In 2026, his 84th birthday was celebrated publicly by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, who referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” 

Beyond his work on screen, He played an important role in developing Nigeria’s creative industry infrastructure.

Together with Joke Silva, whom he married, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, a company involved in film production and distribution, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Through the academy and their wider work in the industry, the couple contributed to the training and development of a new generation of Nigerian performers.

Olu Jacobs gradually stepped away from acting and public appearances in his later years.

His reduced presence on screen followed revelations from Joke Silva that he had been living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. The family had previously faced repeated false reports of his death, including a widely circulated rumour in 2024 that was publicly debunked by his son. 

The announcement of his passing on September 16, 2026, therefore marks the end of the life and career of one of the most influential figures in Nigerian acting.

For generations of Nigerian and African audiences, Olu Jacobs was more than a prolific actor. His work connected Nigeria’s theatre tradition with the country’s rapidly expanding film industry and helped establish a standard for screen performance that influenced countless actors who followed.

From British television and international cinema to the growth of Nollywood, he maintained a career that crossed industries and generations.

He leaves behind his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren, as well as a body of work that remains deeply embedded in the history of Nigerian cinema.

The Jacobs family has asked the public, bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn.

Olu Jacobs was 84.

May his soul rest in peace.

The Ghanaian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the heartbreaking death of actress and television personality Beverly Afaglo Baah, who reportedly passed away on Saturday night, May 23/24, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer.

The beloved screen star died just four days before her 43rd birthday. Born on May 28, 1983, Beverly was widely known for her contributions to Ghana’s movie industry, television space, and entrepreneurial scene.

Her husband, musician Choirmaster, formerly of the defunct music group Praye, confirmed the tragic news in an emotional Instagram tribute that has since stirred reactions across social media.

“My heart is shattered beyond words over the death of my beloved wife Beverly Afaglo!!! It would have been just like 4 more days to your birthday but I guess the Lord wanted to Celebrate with you so he Called you,” he wrote.

He continued by describing the late actress as his strength, happiness, and the reason his life felt complete, adding that every moment spent with her would forever remain cherished.

According to reports shared by her manager, Abu Iddris, Beverly had been battling genetic breast cancer for the past two years. The illness, said to be hereditary, had previously claimed the lives of both her father and sister before eventually spreading and worsening her condition.

She reportedly passed away around 11:45 PM at the Tema International Maritime Hospital.

Before rising to fame in the movie industry, Beverly Afaglo trained as a beauty therapist and later studied at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Over the years, she built a successful career in acting and television, starring in films such as Sidechic Gang and A Northern Affair among others.

Beyond entertainment, she also ventured into business, managing several entrepreneurial projects including shawarma outlets.

In a statement mourning her passing, the Creative Arts Agency described her death as “a great loss not only to her family but also to the entire nation and the creative arts industry she served diligently.”

Tributes have continued pouring in from fans, colleagues, and celebrities across Ghana and beyond, with many expressing shock at her passing so close to her birthday. Reports also indicate that stars including Jackie Appiah and James Gardiner gathered with family members to mourn the actress.

A one-week observance for the late actress is scheduled to hold on May 30, 2026, at the Green Flavour Events Centre in Tema.

Beverly Afaglo Baah is survived by her husband Choirmaster and their children.

May her soul rest in peace.

The family of Nigerian actor Alex Ekubo has announced his passing following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

In a statement released by the family on his official instagram handle, it was disclosed that the actor died at Evercare Hospital after what was described as a “brief but courageous battle” with the illness.

According to the statement, Alex Ekubo faced his health challenges with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope,” maintaining a positive spirit throughout his treatment journey.

The family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend. They also requested privacy during the difficult period, while thanking fans, colleagues, and supporters for their prayers and solidarity.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial activities are expected to be communicated by the family in due course.

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and figures within the Nigerian entertainment industry, as colleagues continue to react to the news.

Irish actor and writer Michael Patrick has died at the age of 35, marking a tragic loss for the film, television, and theatre community.

According to multiple confirmed reports, Patrick passed away on April 7, 2026, following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease, a progressive illness that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. He is said to have died peacefully at a hospice in Northern Ireland, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Michael Patrick, who was also known professionally as Michael Campbell, built a growing reputation as a versatile performer across screen and stage. He is widely recognized for his appearance in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, where he featured during its sixth season. Beyond that, he appeared in notable television productions including Blue Lights, This Town, and Krypton.

While his on-screen roles brought him wider visibility, Patrick was also deeply rooted in theatre, where he earned praise for his performances in Shakespearean productions such as Richard III. 

He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in February 2023 and continued to work and advocate for awareness around the condition during his illness. Despite the challenges, he remained active in creative spaces before his passing on. 

Following news of his passing, tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating his talent, resilience, and contribution to the arts.

May his soul rest in peace. 

The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, a respected actress in the Yoruba segment of Nollywood. News of her passing was confirmed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by family members, bringing an end to weeks of public concern over her declining health.

Aunty Ajara built a reputation as a familiar and compelling face in Yoruba cinema, known for portraying emotionally grounded characters that reflected everyday Nigerian experiences. Over the years, she appeared in several productions including Gingerrr, Queen Lateefah, and Isiti, earning admiration from audiences for her authenticity and on-screen presence.

Colleagues frequently described her as hardworking, humble, and deeply passionate about storytelling; qualities that made her a respected figure within Nollywood’s close-knit creative community.

Concern about her health became widespread in late January 2026 when videos and updates shared by fellow actors revealed she had been hospitalized in critical condition. Several industry figures appealed publicly for financial support and prayers to assist with her medical treatment, drawing attention to the challenges many creatives face during medical emergencies.

The appeals sparked an outpouring of support from fans, colleagues, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond.

Despite the support and ongoing treatment, Aunty Ajara’s condition reportedly worsened in the days leading up to her death. Family representatives later confirmed her passing and expressed gratitude to everyone who offered assistance during her illness. They also requested that fundraising efforts linked to her treatment be discontinued.

Her death has triggered widespread tributes on social media, with many actors and fans celebrating her contributions to Yoruba storytelling and Nollywood at large.

Beyond her filmography, Aunty Ajara leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and artistic commitment;  one that continues to resonate with audiences who followed her journey on screen.

As Nollywood reflects on her life and career, many remember her not only for the roles she played but for the impact she made within the creative community.

May her soul continue to rest in peace. 

The first three months of 2024 have not been easy, despite the hardship the country has been hit with multiple death announcements of the deaths of some of our stars and icons. Nigerians will not forget the death of these icons.

Today we say tribute to them. Here are five Nigerian celebrities who died in the first quarter of 2024:

Amaechi Muonagor

Amaechi died on March 24th, 2024 aged 61. The Nollywood actor died after battling kidney disease. A few days before his death, there was a video circulating the internet in which he requested financial assistance from Nigerians to enable him to travel abroad for a kidney transplant.

He joined the Nigerian movie industry Nollywood in 1998 and starred in many movies including Taboo 1 (1989), Aki and Pawpaw, Karishika (1998), and Aki na Ukwa (2002), to mention just a few.

Ethel Aderemi-Ekpe

She’s a well-known veteran actress and media personality known for her role as Segi in the show Basi and Company, a sitcom that ran on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She passed away on February 7, 2024, after a long battle with cancer in Lagos.

On the 9th of February, Nigerians were shocked to hear the death of business mogul, managing director and CEO of Access Bank, Hebert Wigwe. He died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, his first son and three others.

https://twitter.com/Streamdorm/status/1756644794565013886

The passing of Hebert Wigwe leaves behind four children.

Sisi Quadri

Known for his roles in Seniyan Seranko (2004), Ebudola (2020), and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024), Sisi Quadri has proved himself to be a lovable and relatable character in movies. The Yoruba Nolly actor died on March 1, months after his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023. Sisi Quadri is named Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji.

Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote via Instagram, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”

Everything in the world is according to the will of Allah. From Allah we have come and unto Him we shall return. May God bless, rest your soul, bro,” said Tunde Yusuf.

Mr. Ibu

A day after the death of Sisi Quadri the demise of arguably the most popular Nigerian comedic actor, John Okafor, known as Mr Ibu broke out. He passed away at the age of 62 due to a cardiac arrest. Africa still mourn his death.