Olu Jacobs, Ogogo, Alexx Ekubo… top Nollywood stars who died in 2026

Nigeria’s film industry has lost a significant number of well-known actors and filmmakers in 2026, including one of Nollywood’s most towering figures, Olu Jacobs, whose death was confirmed on September 16, 2026, after years of false rumours about his passing had circulated.

Olu Jacobs (1942–2026)

Veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, known professionally as Olu Jacobs, died on 16 September 2026 at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement posted to the family’s Instagram account: “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.” The statement, signed by the family, also asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.

It’s worth noting that claims of Jacobs’ death had circulated falsely on multiple previous occasions — in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 — each time debunked by his wife, actress Joke Silva, or the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Those earlier rumours were tied to his long battle with dementia with Lewy bodies, which Silva had spoken about publicly since around 2021 as his primary caregiver. This latest report, however, is confirmed directly by the family itself, distinguishing it clearly from the unverified social media claims that preceded it.

Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and began his career in British television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of Nollywood’s most respected figures, regarded as one of the “godfathers of Nollywood” alongside Pete Edochie. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, and with his wife Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts company.

 

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Other Nollywood Actors Who Have Died in 2026

The industry has suffered several other significant losses this year. Here is a chronological rundown of Nollywood figures who died in 2026.

Ajara Lasisi (“Aunty Ajara”) — Died 5 February 2026

The veteran Yoruba-film actress, known for her comic supporting roles as market women and outspoken relatives, died after a prolonged illness. Her death followed a period of public fundraising support from colleagues and fans, and was confirmed by family members and filmmaker Tobi Oladele (Tee Mony).

Bamidele Oluwatope (“Okemesi”) — Died 24 February 2026

A Yoruba-language comic actor and content creator known for blending English, Yoruba, and Ekiti dialect in his performances, Oluwatope died following medication complications that led to a coma. His death was announced by fellow actor Jeff “Tony Montana” Owolewa.

Davis Offor (“Clarus”) — Died 6 April 2026

Offor, aged 85, was best known for playing the mischievous houseboy Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian TV series The New Masquerade.

Solomon Akiyesi — Died 26–27 April 2026

A veteran actor and producer with a career spanning more than two decades, Akiyesi reportedly died in his sleep in Abuja. His death was confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). His film credits included Deadly Affair, Heart of a Saint, and Marry Who You Love.

Oby Kechere (“Madam Koi Koi”) — Died 27 April 2026

Kechere, an actress, filmmaker, and producer, was widely known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the classic comedy film Aki na Ukwa. Her death, following a prolonged illness, was announced by the Directors Guild of Nigeria, of which she was a member.

Alexx Ekubo — Died 11 May 2026

Ekubo, one of contemporary Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, died at age 40 at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He rose to prominence after finishing as first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest before building a career in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.

Taiwo Adeshina (“Elegbeje Ado”) — Died 29 June 2026

A recognised figure in Yoruba cinema known for his comic timing, Adeshina died after a brief illness.

Temitope Osoba — Died 5 August 2026

Osoba, an actress, dancer, and film producer active in Yoruba-language productions since 2005, died at age 40 following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, which she had spoken about publicly before her death.

Taiwo Hassan (“Ogogo”) — Died 23 August 2026

One of the more prominent names lost this year, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known by his screen name Ogogo, died after a battle with stage-four cancer. Hassan built a career spanning decades as a leading figure in Yoruba-language cinema and was an influential figure among younger Yoruba actors. His remains were taken to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, for funeral rites.

Atinuke Remilekun Kareem — Death announced 1 September 2026

Kareem’s death was among the most recent losses reported in the industry this year, with her passing announced by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

Several of these deaths — including Ekubo’s, Osoba’s, and Hassan’s — followed publicly disclosed battles with cancer, underscoring ongoing conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry about access to healthcare and the financial strain of serious illness on creatives, many of whom have relied on public fundraising support from colleagues and fans during their treatment.

FAQ

Is Olu Jacobs dead? Yes. Olu Jacobs died on 16 September 2026 at age 84, confirmed by his family via an Instagram statement from his son Olusoji Jacobs. Earlier claims of his death in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 were false rumours that his family had denied at the time.

How did Olu Jacobs die? The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by the family. Jacobs had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies since around 2021.

Which Nollywood actors have died in 2026? Confirmed deaths in 2026 include Olu Jacobs, Ajara Lasisi, Bamidele Oluwatope (Okemesi), Davis Offor (Clarus), Solomon Akiyesi, Oby Kechere (Madam Koi Koi), Alexx Ekubo, Taiwo Adeshina (Elegbeje Ado), Temitope Osoba, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), and Atinuke Remilekun Kareem.

How did Alexx Ekubo die? Ekubo died on 11 May 2026 at age 40, at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Who was Madam Koi Koi? Madam Koi Koi was the stage name of actress, filmmaker, and producer Oby Kechere, best known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the comedy film Aki na Ukwa. She died on 27 April 2026.

When did Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) die? Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, died on 23 August 2026 after a battle with stage-four cancer.

What health condition did Olu Jacobs have before his death? Olu Jacobs had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies since around 2021, according to his wife, actress Joke Silva, who spoke publicly about caring for him during that time.