Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has issued a heartfelt message of thanks as her family marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for her late husband, Olu Jacobs.

What she wrote

In an Instagram post on Saturday, 31 October 2026, accompanied by a photo of herself and her husband, Joke Silva wrote on behalf of the Jacobs family to thank everyone who had supported them. She thanked those who sent prayers, messages and calls, those who visited in person, and those who gave gifts or contributed towards the funeral. She said the 40 days had come and gone, and that the family was humbled and deeply grateful. She signed the message as Ajoke Silva, on behalf of the Jacobs family.

Who was Olu Jacobs

Olu Jacobs was one of the most respected actors in Nigerian film history, with a career spanning stage, television and cinema in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He appeared in many Nollywood classics and international productions and was widely regarded as a father figure in the industry. He and Joke Silva, herself an acclaimed actress and co-founder of the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, were one of Nollywood's most admired couples.

How fans reacted

Fans and colleagues responded with messages of love and prayers for the family, praising Joke Silva for her strength and dignity during the period of mourning.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has once again found herself at the centre of talk about a rivalry with Funke Akindele, after a social media post that many fans read as a response to her colleague.

What she posted

On Friday, 30 October 2026, Toyin Abraham shared on Instagram a throwback clip of a TikTok collaboration she did while promoting her earlier film, 'OverSabi Aunty'. In the caption, she said she was looking forward to more collaborations ahead of her new film, 'Bestie', which is due in cinemas in December 2026.

Why fans linked it to Funke

The post came just days after Funke Akindele announced a partnership with Facebook for her new film, 'The Four'. Many fans interpreted Toyin's post as a subtle reminder that she had worked with a major platform first, although she did not mention Funke, and her intention has not been confirmed.

Background

The two actresses are among the most successful filmmakers in Nollywood, and fans have long compared their box office results. Toyin has also faced accusations of copying Funke's ideas, which she has denied. In the past she has spoken warmly about Funke, congratulating her and calling her the winner of their rivalry after one of Funke's films crossed ₦1 billion at the box office.

How people reacted

Reactions were divided. Critics questioned the timing of the post and accused her of seeking attention, while her supporters said she had every right to talk about her own past work. Funke Akindele has not commented.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his daughter, former senator Iyabo Obasanjo, provided a light-hearted moment at a public event in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a playful exchange that quickly spread online.

What happened

At the Ajibosin Platform symposium, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library on Friday, 30 October 2026, Iyabo reportedly greeted the dignitaries in her opening address and acknowledged her father last, joking that he was someone she did not know. When the former President took the microphone, he responded that the abuse of artificial intelligence had already started, since his own daughter now claimed not to know her father. The audience laughed at both remarks.

About the event

The symposium, part of the Odun Omo Olowu festival, focused on using artificial intelligence to solve grassroots problems and speed up national development. It was at the same event that Obasanjo criticised President Bola Tinubu's attitude to borrowing, saying debt destroys generations, and warned against relying too heavily on advice from foreign-trained economists.

Background

Iyabo Obasanjo is a public health specialist who served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and later as a senator representing Ogun Central. She is currently the PDP candidate for Ogun Central in the 2027 elections. Father and daughter have had a well-publicised strained relationship in the past, which made their friendly exchange all the more talked about.

How people reacted

Many social media users enjoyed the moment, saying it showed a warmer side of the former President, while others joked about the role of AI in family relationships.

A pro-Tinubu support group has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the dispute over its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District could hurt the party in the South East ahead of 2027.

What the group said

In a statement signed by its national president, Gbenga Owojori, and reported on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu reacted to the Federal High Court ruling that recognised former governor Rochas Okorocha, rather than Governor Hope Uzodimma, as the APC candidate for Imo West. The group argued that shutting out candidates from the South East could weaken the coalition President Bola Tinubu needs for re-election.

Its demands

The group called on party leaders to resolve the matter through inclusive dialogue and transparent party processes, and said Uzodimma should be given a fair chance to pursue his ambitions, including a possible bid for the Senate presidency. It also made claims, which it did not support with evidence, that some senior political figures were working against Uzodimma. Those named have not responded to the claims.

Background

Okorocha went to court claiming he won the APC primary on 18 May, while the party's returning officer declared Uzodimma the winner. The court ordered INEC to publish Okorocha's name, and former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje later visited Okorocha to congratulate him. The case also raises the question of whether a sitting governor can contest a Senate seat while still in office. Uzodimma has not said publicly whether he will appeal.

What happens next

The dispute is expected to continue in court and within the party, with both camps seeking the backing of the national leadership.