For the second time, rumors of the demise of Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, a prominent Nigerian actor and film executive, are circulating on social media.

In a conversation with TheNEWS and PMNEWS this evening, Joke, his wife, refuted the rumor by affirming that her husband is alive and in good health.

Known affectionately as Uncle Olu by his colleagues and numerous admirers, Olu Jacobs has established a significant presence in Nigeria’s film business. With almost four decades of performing experience, Jacobs is regarded as a mediator between the traditional and contemporary generation of actors.

Subsequently, he journeyed to England and pursued his studies in acting at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

He has been acclaimed as ‘one of the most exceptional performers in Nollywood, adept at portraying roles with great skill and mastery of language’. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to his acting profession for more than fifty years, he received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for his exceptional accomplishments in acting.

In addition, AMAA bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award on him in 2016. Olu Jacobs is in a marital union with esteemed actress Joke Silva. The pair established and still manage the Lufodo Group, a media conglomerate encompassing film production, distribution assets, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

In 1978, he portrayed the character of President Mageeba in Michael Codron’s production of Sir Tom Stoppard’s play Night and Day. During the 1980s, Jacobs played leading roles in various foreign films, including John Irvin’s military film “The Dogs of War,” Roman Polanski’s adventure-comedy “Pirates” (1986), and the family-adventure film “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend” (1985). He appeared as a cast member in TVS’s The Witches and the Grinnygog.