Another Nollywood Actor Dies as Cjay Nwokafor’s Death Comes Amid Olu Jacobs’ Burial
By Fact Harbour News
The Nigerian film industry has been plunged into mourning again following the death of Nollywood actor Chijioke Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay, coming at a time when colleagues and fans are still paying their final respects to veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
Cjay’s death was announced by actress Nkechi Blessing, who shared emotional videos and memories of her time with the actor on social media.
The actress expressed shock over the sudden loss, describing the development as difficult to accept. Her announcement quickly drew reactions from colleagues, fans and other members of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Cjay was an emerging Nollywood actor who had featured in several movie productions and was building a presence within the industry. His death has therefore triggered an outpouring of grief among colleagues who had worked with him and audiences who had become familiar with his performances.
Nkechi Blessing’s announcement also affected one of her ongoing film projects. The actress postponed the scheduled release of her movie Egusi Ogbono, in which Cjay reportedly played a significant role.
The development has added another painful moment to what has already been a difficult period for the Nigerian movie industry.
Only recently, Nollywood gathered in Lagos to honour the late Olu Jacobs, one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s theatre, television and film history.
Jacobs was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, 2026, following a funeral service attended by members of his family, friends, colleagues, government officials and other dignitaries.
The veteran actor’s burial brought together several generations of Nigerian entertainers who came to celebrate his life and remember his contribution to the development of the country’s creative industry.
His widow, actress Joke Silva, and their children were among those who received mourners during the funeral proceedings.
Before his burial, a Night of Tributes was held at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos, where several Nollywood personalities shared personal memories of the late actor.
Actors and colleagues including Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Norbert Young and others were among those who gathered to honour Jacobs.
Several of those who spoke during the tributes recalled his professionalism, mentorship and influence on younger actors.
Sola Sobowale, for instance, spoke about Jacobs’ contribution to her development as an actress, recalling the guidance she received from the veteran during her career.
Jacobs’ career spanned more than five decades and included extensive work in theatre, television and film. He became particularly known for portraying authoritative characters in Nigerian productions, while his stage background and distinctive delivery made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
His professional journey also extended beyond Nigeria. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in British television productions and international films before becoming one of the leading figures of Nigerian cinema.
Together with Joke Silva, Jacobs was also associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to professional development within Nigeria’s performing-arts sector.
While the entertainment community was still reflecting on Jacobs’ legacy and mourning his passing, news of Cjay’s death brought another wave of grief.
The two actors belonged to different generations and were at different stages of their careers, but their deaths have both prompted conversations about the people who have contributed to Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.
For Cjay’s colleagues, the immediate focus has been on remembering the actor and supporting those closest to him. Nkechi Blessing’s emotional tribute has also given fans a glimpse into the personal relationships he built within the industry.
Details concerning the circumstances surrounding Cjay’s death have remained limited, and no cause of death should be assumed without confirmation from his family or other authorised representatives.
As tributes continue to emerge, members of the Nigerian film community are expected to pay their respects to the late actor and celebrate the work he accomplished during his career.
The latest loss has once again highlighted the emotional challenges faced by the entertainment community whenever one of its members passes away.
While Olu Jacobs has now been laid to rest after a career that left a lasting mark on Nigerian cinema, Nollywood is once again mourning the loss of a younger actor whose career was still developing.
For fans and colleagues of Cjay, the coming days are expected to bring further tributes, memories and information about funeral arrangements from his family.
