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

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday.

In the statement, the family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect his privacy.

“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.

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.” Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s veteran actors and was widely recognised for his contributions to theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.

After returning to Nigeria, he became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and was regarded as one of the veteran figures of Nollywood.

Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.

Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, closed the 2026 edition of the Afro Plus Fest in Maryland, United States, on Sunday, marking 15 years since his breakthrough in the music industry.

The 35-year-old singer headlined the final night of the three-day festival, which ran from 4 to 6 September at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland.

Wizkid’s performance carried added significance as he celebrated a decade and a half in the industry, having first risen to prominence with the hit “Holla at Your Boy” from his 2011 debut album, Superstar.

Wizkid, who shared the stage with a global line-up of Afrobeats, dancehall and hip-hop artists, delivered a mix of career-defining tracks that had the crowd singing along.

The performance included “In My Bed,” “Daddy Yo,” “Bad to Me,” “Slow Down,” “Caro,” “Essence,” “Alaye,” “Jogodo,” “Money Constant,” and “Ojuelegba.”

Since his breakthrough in the industry, Wizkid has built one of the most decorated careers in African music, becoming the first Nigerian artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a co-writer and featured artist on Drake’s “One Dance.”

His catalogue includes albums such as Ayo, Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego and Morayo.

Wizkid has also won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” and is the most-streamed African artist on platforms such as Spotify. His Tems-assisted hit “Essence” achieved massive global crossover success.

The artist’s appearance as the final-night headliner underscored both his influence on Afrobeats and the rapid growth of Afro Plus Fest into a major diaspora gathering.

Official announcements for the festival featured Nigerian superstar Davido as the Friday headliner, Jamaican dancehall artiste Alkaline on Saturday, and Wizkid closing on Sunday, with additional acts including Lil Baby, Latto, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Adekunle Gold among others.

Billed as the largest Afro-Caribbean-Hip Hop festival, the 2026 edition reportedly expanded to a three-day format across two stages, drawing a projected 40,000 fans daily.

Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Founder and Executive Producer Michael Awosanya noted in an earlier statement that the event had evolved into a global diaspora movement.

“The block party we dreamed about for a decade became a reality, and it exceeded every expectation. This sold-out debut proved that Afro Plus Fest is not just an event — it’s a movement. This was only the beginning. Afro Plus Fest is here to stay,” Awosanya stated.

 

Nollywood actress Deborah Shokoya has reacted to the mixed opinions surrounding the marriage of social media personalities Peller and Jarvis.

Daily Voice reports that the actress said public opinion can change quickly based on what people see.

Shokoya commented on an Instagram post while discussing how people often judge relationships from the outside.

She said that some people who criticize a relationship at one moment may later support and admire the same relationship when circumstances change.

She advised Peller and Jarvis, as well as others facing public scrutiny, to focus on understanding themselves and doing what works for them rather than allowing outside opinions to determine their choices.

The actress also urged people to prioritise their happiness and peace of mind while avoiding self-deception.

She wrote: “I Have Seen People Talk Down On Peller And Jarvis’s Marriage Today, Support And Admire It Tomorrow🤣 Call It Toxic Today, Then Call It Sweet Tomorrow🤣 I Have Come To A Conclusion Of What I Already Know Before Tho… That People Will Always Judge Base On What You Show Them😁😂 Just Do You! Know You! Satisfy You! Do What Works For You! People Will Always Talk Regardless… They Will Always Judge Anyways! You Owe Your Happiness And Sanity To Yourself, Just Best Live By Not Deceiving Yourself👌.”