Oludotun Jacobs, Nollywood’s legend is alive and “doing just fine”, his family said on Sunday amid raging death rumours on social media.
Soji, the first son of the acting legend, disclosed that his octogenarian father is not dead as trumpeted online.
His wife, a veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, also dismissed the viral rumours stressing that “her husband is alive and doing just fine.”
A Nigerian columnist, Betty Irabor, made this known in a message posted on her social media account on Sunday. “Olu Jacob is well and alive.. please ignore all rumours of his passing. He is alive please,” she wrote.
The rumours of Jacobs’ death had earlier spread online without official confirmation.
The “death” of Jacobs, 81, has been rumoured several times since November 2021 when his actress wife, Joke Silva, opened up on the health struggles of her husband. But the family has debunked such incidents at several times, posting videos and photos of their patriarch to discredit rumour-mongers.
The veteran actor, who won a lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival Awards in Lagos the same year, would later share a frail-looking picture of himself on his Instagram handle, attracting a cocktail of sympathy, best wishes and prayers from friends and fans.
The legendary actor has also been seen at selected social functions, aided by his loving wife while fans continue to hope for his recovery.
