Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

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. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain before returning to Nigeria.

He later became a prominent figure in Nollywood, earning recognition for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his work in international productions.

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.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. He was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.

Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Six-Decade Music Career

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

Her death was reportedly announced on Tuesday by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional post shared on Instagram.

Seaver described the moment as deeply painful, saying he had anticipated the weight of the loss but only fully understood it after her death.

Parton rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the most influential figures in country music, enjoying a career that spanned more than six decades.

She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned the title “Queen of Country” through iconic songs such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.

The singer-songwriter wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career. She also established herself as an accomplished actress, featuring in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.

“Jolene”, one of Parton’s most recognisable songs, was written around the same period as “I Will Always Love You”. Both tracks appeared on her 1974 album Jolene, which helped expand her popularity beyond the country music audience.

Concerns about Parton’s health emerged publicly in September 2025 when she postponed her Las Vegas residency. She had also reduced her public appearances in recent weeks amid reports of ongoing health challenges.

Her death comes months after the passing of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.

Parton and Dean were married in 1966 and remained together for almost 60 years.

Tears as Nollywood Icon Ogogo Is Laid to Rest

Tears and grief filled Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were laid to rest.

Family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered in the actor’s hometown to observe the burial rites of the 66-year-old thespian.

Footage from the funeral procession showed mourners carrying Ogogo’s remains to his final resting place in line with Islamic burial traditions.

Among those present was Ogogo’s longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, who broke down in tears as mourners tried to comfort him.

The emotional moment underscored the depth of sorrow among the actor’s colleagues, relatives and loved ones as they paid their final respects.

Several Nollywood stars, including Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya, had earlier travelled to Ilaro to attend the burial.

Other actors, including Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, were also present alongside family members, friends and sympathisers.

The burial followed the arrival of Ogogo’s remains in Ilaro on Sunday, shortly after the actor died at the age of 66.

Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66

Veteran Nollywood actor and Yoruba film icon, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.

Hassan passed away at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, according to an announcement by fellow veteran actor, Jide Kosoko. The development has sparked grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Kosoko disclosed that the late actor’s remains would be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, in Ogun State, on Sunday ahead of his final rites.

A lying-in-state ceremony has been scheduled for Monday, August 24, at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Taiwo Hassan was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning several decades as an actor, filmmaker and screenwriter. He was widely recognised for his memorable roles and contribution to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

His death comes days after his family appealed for medical assistance as he battled a serious health condition. Colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry had rallied around the actor before his death.

Corporate Icon Stephen Olusegun Olusanya Celebrates 86th Birthday

Otunba Babatunde Babatomiwa Rowaiye, the Chief Executive Officer of Rowradio and Maiyegun of Ijebu-Igbo, has paid glowing tribute to renowned banker and corporate leader, Mr. Stephen Olusegun Olusanya, MSc, FCCA, on the occasion of his 86th birthday.

In a congratulatory message, Rowaiye described Olusanya as a man of integrity, humility and unwavering principles whose exemplary life of service, leadership and mentorship has inspired generations.

He commended the octogenarian for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking, manufacturing and corporate sectors, noting that his wealth of experience, commitment to excellence and passion for developing others have earned him widespread respect within and beyond the business community.

Over the years, Olusanya has built a reputation as a respected corporate executive and boardroom strategist. He served as Executive Director of Union Bank Plc from 1993 to 1999 before becoming a Non-Executive Director of the bank. He also served as Executive Director of Afribank Nigeria Plc and retired as a Director in the Federal Civil Service.

He currently serves as Vice Chairman of Meristem Securities Limited, Chairman of Health Partners Limited, Chairman of Bulwark Vault and Safe Deposits Limited, and Director of Summit Healthcare Hospital Group and Tripple Gee & Company Plc, among other corporate positions.

Describing his strategic contributions to the growth of the Dangote Group and as one of the influential minds behind the conglomerate’s success story, Rowaiye praised Olusanya’s enduring legacy of excellence, professionalism and selfless service.

Prince Michael Akanbi Ademola Adegoke Celebrates 70th Birthday in Grand Style

Prince Michael Akanbi Ademola Adegoke of Bronx, New York, was recently celebrated by his children, family members, and friends as he marked his 70th birthday in a joyous gathering filled with love, appreciation, and heartfelt tributes.

The milestone celebration brought together loved ones who honoured the septuagenarian for his remarkable life, unwavering commitment to family values, and positive impact on those around him. Guests described him as a man of integrity, wisdom, and generosity whose life has inspired many across generations.

Family members expressed gratitude for his guidance, sacrifices, and enduring support over the years, praying for continued good health, long life, and greater accomplishments. Friends also paid glowing tributes, highlighting his humility, kindness, and the strong relationships he has built within his community.

The celebration was marked by moments of thanksgiving, laughter, and warm fellowship as attendees wished Prince Michael Akanbi Ademola Adegoke many more years of happiness, peace, and fulfilment.

Ms. Temitope Rowaiye Marks Golden Jubilee Celebration in Dublin

Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered in Dublin, Ireland, on May 9 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Ms. Temitope Rowaiye, who marked her 50th birthday in a joyful and memorable ceremony.

Fondly known as “Aburo Otunba,” Ms. Rowaiye is widely admired for her warm personality, humility, and strong family values. The celebration brought together loved ones who paid glowing tributes to her life, character, and positive impact on those around her.

Ms. Rowaiye is the younger sister of the Chief Executive Officer of Row Radio, and many who attended the celebration described her as a pillar of support to her family and an inspiration to friends and associates both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

Guests offered heartfelt prayers for continued good health, divine protection, and greater accomplishments as she embarks on a new chapter of her life. They also wished her many more years of happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

Pastor Caleb Adewunmi Celebrates His Mother, Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri, on Her 80th Birthday

Pastor Caleb Adewunmi of Dublin has paid glowing tribute to his beloved mother, Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri (MOW), as she marked her 80th birthday, describing her as a virtuous woman whose life has been defined by faith, love, wisdom, and selfless service.

In his heartfelt goodwill message, Pastor Adewunmi expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his mother through eight remarkable decades. Quoting the popular Yoruba adage, “Oríṣà bí ìyá ò sí” (there is no deity like a mother), he noted that no earthly treasure compares to the love, sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support of a Godly mother.

He also praised his mother, Princess Adegoke-Dabiri for her steadfast faith, exemplary character, and invaluable role in raising her children with strong moral and Christian values.

Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri celebrated her 80th birthday on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Jesufunmi’s Place Event Centre and Guest House, Adeji Ogungbade, Ibadan. A thanksgiving service followed on Sunday at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Kukumada Ogungbade, Ibadan.

The celebration attracted family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria, who gathered to celebrate her remarkable life, honour her enduring legacy, and thank God for His faithfulness over the past 80 years.

IJEBULAND SET FOR 2026 AGEMO FESTIVAL

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland, with organisers announcing that this year’s celebrations will commence on July 4 and continue on July 5, 2026.

The opening phase of the revered cultural event will feature the traditional movement of Agemo masquerades from various Ijebu communities to Imosan-Ijebu, the historic meeting point where key festival rites are observed.

As part of the annual procession, the masquerades are expected to pass through several towns and major roads across Ogun State, including the Epe/Oke-Owa, Isiwo, Omu/Ala/Egbe/Ejinrin, Erunwon/Oke-Aje, and Ijebu-Imushin/Ilese/Army Barracks routes, as well as sections of the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Festival authorities identified the recognised procession corridors as Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Isiwo-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Imushin-Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye-Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu-Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Garage-Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Ibadan Garage-Ijebu-Ode, and Okun-Owa-Ijebu-Ode routes.

The Erinlu Roundabout in Ijebu-Ode has been designated as the central convergence point before the masquerades proceed to Imosan-Ijebu.

Motorists and residents have been advised to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and diversions along affected routes during the procession. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with security personnel and festival officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Organisers also reminded residents to observe established cultural traditions associated with the festival. Women, in particular, have been advised to take note of customary guidelines and plan their movements accordingly from noon on the festival days.

Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural festivals in Yorubaland, the Agemo Festival continues to showcase the rich heritage, customs, and unity of the Ijebu people while attracting widespread attention from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.