Entertainment
Tito Jackson, Founding Member of Jackson 5, Dies At 70
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to the late Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70.
Jackson’s death was confirmed on Sunday by family friend and former manager Steve Manning.
The Jackson family, renowned for their lasting impact on the music industry, is mourning the loss of yet another iconic figure.
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Tito Jackson was instrumental in the success of the Jackson 5, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. The group skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s with timeless hits such as “ABC” and “I Want You Back.”
Jackson’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement on social media. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone.
He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached: ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”
A Legacy in Music
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito Jackson was a pivotal figure in the rise of the Jackson 5. His skill on rhythm guitar and contributions to the group’s vocal harmonies played a critical role in shaping their sound, which propelled them to international stardom after signing with Motown Records in 1968.
The Jackson 5’s debut single, “I Want You Back,” quickly topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking the beginning of a string of hits that included “ABC” and “The Love You Save.” Though his younger brother Michael often took the spotlight, Tito’s musical talents were an integral part of the group’s success.
After leaving Motown in the 1970s, the group rebranded as The Jacksons and continued to enjoy chart success with albums such as Destiny and Triumph. These albums helped solidify the group’s enduring legacy throughout the 1980s.
Solo Ventures and Later Years
In addition to his work with The Jacksons, Tito Jackson pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album Tito Time in 2016. The album’s single, “Get It Baby,” reached No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, further highlighting his musical versatility.
Jackson’s death comes after the loss of his younger brother Michael in 2009, who died of acute propofol intoxication, and their father, Joe Jackson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. Joe Jackson managed the Jackson 5 during their early years, playing a key role in guiding them to worldwide fame.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who formed the group 3T in the 1990s, as well as his grandchildren. He was previously married to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, who passed away in 1994.
The Jackson family’s contributions to music remain monumental, and Tito’s passing marks the end of an era for one of the most influential families in entertainment history.
Entertainment
After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.
The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.
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“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”
Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.
“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.
The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.
Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.
Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.
The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.
Entertainment
Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
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“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.
Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.
Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.
Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.
Entertainment
How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate
Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.
The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.
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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.
Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.
“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”
To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.
These results are expected in two to three weeks.
Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.





