Following the death of veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs at the age of 84, renewed attention has turned to revelations made by his wife, actress Joke Silva, about the health challenges he battled in the final years of his life.
A 2021 interview in which Silva publicly disclosed details of her husband’s condition has resurfaced, offering insight into the private struggle faced by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors and his family.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Silva revealed that Jacobs had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive abilities, memory and movement.
According to her, the condition had been affecting the veteran actor for several years before she publicly discussed it.
“He is dealing with issues, and it has been going on for a couple of years. It is known as dementia with Lewy bodies. It is a degenerative disease that affects the brain, and it is almost like a Parkinson’s type of disease,” Silva said during the interview.
The actress acknowledged the emotional weight of discussing her husband’s condition publicly, describing the experience as difficult for both Jacobs and members of the family. She noted that watching a loved one gradually struggle with a degenerative illness can be painful and emotionally demanding.
In subsequent interviews, Silva spoke candidly about how the illness altered their daily lives and relationship. She explained that over time, she learned to adapt to the realities of the condition while remaining committed to supporting her husband through every stage of the journey.
Despite the challenges, Silva consistently expressed gratitude for their decades together and often spoke about the enduring bond they shared. Her comments resonated with many families caring for relatives living with dementia and other neurological disorders.
Medical experts describe dementia with Lewy bodies as one of the most common forms of progressive dementia. Symptoms can include memory problems, changes in behaviour, movement difficulties, confusion and sleep disturbances. The condition is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages because its symptoms can resemble those of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned theatre, television and film in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He became one of the most respected figures in Nollywood and earned numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the performing arts.
As Nigerians continue to celebrate his life and achievements, Silva’s reflections have highlighted not only the actor’s professional legacy but also the resilience, dignity and love that characterised his final years.
