The swift spread of false news about Olu Jacobs’ death on June 30, 2024, sparked widespread outrage by Nigerians on social media, and many attributed the misinformation to recent introduction of Facebook’s monetization policies in Nigeria, suggesting that sensationalism is driven by profit motives.
Commenters like @bigvaijokotoye lamented, “What monetization will cause on Facebook,” highlighting concerns over the prioritization of engagement over accuracy.
This incident has reignited debates about the toxicity of social media, with some users calling for government intervention.
@mhorenike remarked, “I won’t obstruct if they decide to regulate social media… we’ve officially lost it in this country,” reflecting a growing sentiment that unchecked misinformation has detrimental effects.
Fans also expressed empathy for the Jacobs family, condemning the repetitive false rumors and the distress caused.
@aramzokooltemp commented on Jacobs’ character, asking, “Why are people interested in the death of this good man? A humble man!”
Following the news break of the now debunked fake news, Olu Jacobs’ son, Soji Jacobs, confirmed to Channels Television that his father is “very much alive,” sharing a video showing the actor in good spirits while engaging with his barber.
This is the third time in four years that the 82-year-old actor has been falsely reported dead.
Soji Jacobs expressed frustration over the recurring death rumors, highlighting the distress it causes the family. “It’s annoying and distressing,” he told QEDNG, noting the barrage of calls from concerned fans.
Prominent figures like Betty Irabor, publisher of Genevieve Magazine, and Kate Henshaw, spokesperson for the Actors Guild of Nigeria, also debunked the rumors, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Emeka Rolas, the director of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, also termed the reports “not true.”
False death reports of Olu Jacobs have surfaced multiple times, notably in June 2020 and August 2022. In both instances, his wife, Joke Silva, publicly refuted the claims, even threatening legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.
The veteran actor has been battling Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a degenerative brain condition. Despite health challenges, he continues to make occasional public appearances and was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival in 2021.