Tag: 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.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and Mavin Records artist Magixx has announced the passing of his mother, Esther, in an emotional tribute shared on X on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The singer, born Alexander Adelabu, opened up about the depth of his grief, describing the loss as a pain unlike anything he has experienced before.

“I have never felt pain like this, Never been this lost. still processing that this is real, can’t believe this will happen to you Mom.”

Magixx revealed that he had watched his mother battle illness for several years, particularly over the last six years, while continuing to show remarkable strength and positivity.

“I watched you fight so hard for your family, friend and strangers, especially these last 6 years, with a smile on your face, full of life, even in sickness! the strength of your heart!” he wrote.

The singer went on to celebrate his mother’s personality, describing her as a free spirit who was witty, kind and fiercely protective of the people around her.

He recalled telling his friends, “if my mom got an issue with you, you’re the problem,” adding that she somehow proved him right every time.

Addressing her directly, Magixx described Esther as his “reason, my why, my guardian, my twin, my everything.” He said he would choose her “again and again in every life time, every cycle,” while expressing regret that he could not tell her one more time, face to face, how much he loved her.

The tribute ended with a deeply emotional message of hope and remembrance:

“This isn’t goodbye, it is goodnight.. as we will surely meet again in the morning my queen, I love you to infinity and a billion lifetimes, Thank you Esther… 💔🕊️”

Magixx has previously spoken about the impact of his mother’s health struggles on his life and music. In interviews in 2024, he revealed that his song “Okay” was largely inspired by the pain and emotions surrounding her illness.

Following the announcement, fans, fellow musicians and members of the Nigerian music community have flooded social media with messages of condolences and support for the singer and his family.

Entertainment platform Streamdorm also shared messages of sympathy alongside images believed to be connected to funeral or burial proceedings, showing family members dressed in white and carrying a framed portrait bearing the words, “Forever in Our Hearts.”

https://twitter.com/streamdorm/status/2091563809357824189?s=46

However, no official details regarding the precise cause of her death have been publicly disclosed at the time of writing. Magixx’s tribute instead focused on her strength, character and the profound impact she had on his life.

As the singer navigates the loss of the woman he described as his everything, fans and colleagues continue to stand with him and his family during this difficult period.

Streamdorm extends its deepest condolences to Magixx and his family. May Esther’s soul rest in perfect 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.

Nigerian Afro-house star Niniola Apata has confirmed the death of her husband, Michael Ndika, in a series of emotional Instagram Story posts that have since sparked widespread reactions across the entertainment industry and social media.

The singer, known for maintaining a private personal life despite her public career, revealed the news in short but emotional statements, including: “God took him.” “My husband died.” and “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years.”

The posts suggest the couple had been together in a long-term relationship of over a decade, reportedly kept away from public attention throughout much of Niniola’s rise in the music industry.

The revelation has surprised many fans, as Niniola had consistently kept her romantic life out of the spotlight and, in past interviews, had not publicly confirmed being married.

Reports indicate that the union with Michael Ndika had remained largely undisclosed, making the announcement both shocking and emotional for followers.

Michael Ndika, also known as Big Mike or X.O., was a Nigerian music executive and businessman. He was reportedly the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview LTD, a platform focused on promoting Afro-house, Afrobeats, and contemporary African music.

He was also described in various reports as closely involved in Niniola’s professional journey, though full details of his public profile remain limited.

As of the time of filing this report, no official details have been released regarding the cause, time, or circumstances of his death. 

The news has triggered an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues, and members of the Nigerian entertainment community. Many expressed shock at both the sudden announcement and the revelation of a long-term private marriage.

Niniola Apata has not issued any further public statement beyond her initial posts.

More updates are expected as the story develops. May his 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.

Gospel singer Ebuka Songs has responded strongly to past criticism surrounding a 2024 worship moment he shared with Nollywood actors Alex Ekubo and IK Ogbonna, where he led an intimate worship session that went viral online.

In a reflective post shared on Instagram, the singer recalled how he was criticized by some people who questioned why he would worship with individuals they described as “unbelievers” or why he would associate with them at all.

“Some of you criticized me then. ‘Why are you worshipping with someone like that?’ ‘Why associate with an unbeliever?’”

However, Ebuka Songs said he is grateful he chose to ignore the backlash, stressing that what many saw online was more than just a controversial moment. It was, in his words, a genuine encounter with God’s presence.

He explained that while some people were busy judging from a distance, he witnessed what he described as a “soul encounter” in real time, emphasizing that people often underestimate what God is doing in the hearts of others.

According to him, believers are not called to condemn but to reach others with love and compassion.

“Our assignment as believers is not to condemn people from afar, but to reach them with love… The same people you write off may be one encounter away from surrender.”

He further reflected on the uncertainty of life and the importance of grace, warning against judgmental attitudes that could push people away from faith rather than drawing them closer.

“Jesus did not come for the already ‘perfect.’ He came for the lost.”

Concluding his message, Ebuka Songs expressed gratitude for the moment and the experience, calling for more love, less judgment, and a stronger focus on evangelism rather than condemnation.

“Less judgment. More love. More evangelism. More Jesus.”

The worship session, which featured emotional moments from Alex Ekubo and IK Ogbonna, had previously sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising its sincerity while others debated the optics of a gospel minister worshipping alongside non-church figures.

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The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of celebrated Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40 following a prolonged battle with cancer. Multiple Nigerian media platforms confirmed the development on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 

Known for his charisma, versatility, and strong presence in the industry, Alexx Ekubo built a successful career in Nollywood with appearances in several hit movies and television productions. He became one of the industry’s most admired actors, earning recognition for both his talent and influence in African entertainment.

News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with colleagues, fans, and public figures paying tribute to the late actor. Actress Funke Akindele, actor Bolanle Ninalowo, and singer Peter Okoye were among celebrities who shared emotional messages in his honour. 

In the past, concerns had grown among fans over the actor’s absence from social media and public appearances. Reports now indicate that he had been privately battling health challenges during that period. 

Alexx Ekubo rose to prominence through standout performances in romantic dramas, comedy films, and blockbuster Nollywood productions. Beyond acting, he was widely respected for his fashion style, humanitarian activities, and impact on youth culture within the entertainment industry.

May his soul rest in peace.