Peter Obi mourns Olu Jacobs as Anambra debt dispute continues

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs following his death at the age of 84, as a separate dispute continues over financial liabilities allegedly linked to Obi’s administration in Anambra State.

In a tribute shared on Thursday, Obi described Jacobs as a symbol of excellence whose decades-long career demonstrated the value of talent, discipline and professionalism in Nigeria’s creative industry.

He expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, Joke Silva, members of his family, colleagues and the wider entertainment community.

Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

Obi’s tribute came amid an ongoing public disagreement between him and the Anambra State Government over debts and other liabilities dating to his years as governor.

The state government says eight external loans associated with Obi’s administration remained outstanding after he left office in March 2014. Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation Law Mefor said that, as of June 30, 2026, the outstanding balance of those loans was equivalent to about N127.4 billion at the official exchange rate.

The government also alleged that some salary, pension and gratuity obligations remained unpaid.

Obi has disputed those claims.

He previously said his administration cleared more than N35 billion in historical arrears and handed over without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or payments owed to contractors for certified projects. He also said he would stop campaigning if evidence established otherwise.

Obi’s media team has said former officials from his administration are preparing a detailed response to the latest claims by the state government.

His tribute to Jacobs did not address the latest round of the debt dispute.