Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared on Instagram.
The family described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as relatives mourn his passing.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in several British television productions during the 1970s, including The Goodies, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also featured in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s growing film industry. He was particularly known for portraying kings, traditional rulers, fathers and other authoritative characters, becoming one of the defining figures of Nigerian theatre and Nollywood.
Throughout his career, he received several major honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and was honoured with the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group and contributed to the development of performing arts and creative talent in Nigeria.
In his later years, Jacobs largely withdrew from public appearances. Silva had previously spoken publicly about his health challenges, while the family repeatedly dismissed false reports of his death before Wednesday’s announcement.
His death marks the passing of one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s theatre, television and film history, with tributes already pouring in from colleagues, celebrities and fans across the country.
