Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, celebrated his 82nd birthday on Thursday, just two weeks after false death rumours circulated on social media.
His wife, Joke Silva, celebrated the occasion by sharing a heartfelt video on Instagram, where Jacobs appeared in a customised housecoat.
“82 just like that. Agba ko ni nira l’agbara Jesu,” Silva wrote, expressing joy and blessings for her husband. “Happy birthday and have an amazing year ahead, my darling… Sir J of life _olujacobs (loving his customised housecoat).”
Celebrities and fans poured in their congratulations online. Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde commented, “Happy birthday to a legend, a father to the industry, an outstanding actor, an incredible soul.” Osas Ighodaro added, “Happy Birthday, legend! God bless you immensely,” while Chioma Akpotha celebrated Jacobs as “A living legend! Happy birthday, Sir. We love you.”
Prior to his birthday, the veteran was rumoured to have died, but a close associate Betty Irabor debunked the rumours.
READ ALSO: Rumoured Death: Olu Jacobs, ‘well and alive’ — Betty Irabor
The founder of Genevieve Magazine, Betty Irabor, wrote on her ‘X’ page, “Olu Jacobs is well and alive. Please ignore all rumours of his passing.”
Also dismissing the report, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, refuted reports about the octogenarian’s passage, saying, “It is not true. I spoke with his wife.”
Olu Jacobs has been battling dementia for a couple of years now, and his wife, Joke Silva, spoke about how they are coping with it. The report of his death led to widespread mourning and tributes across social media platforms.
