Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, bringing an end to the life of one of Nollywood’s most respected and enduring figures.
In a statement shared on Instagram by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, the family announced the passing with gratitude for a life well lived. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026,” the statement read.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during this period of mourning.
Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to parents of Egba Alake origin, spent part of his childhood in Kano. His interest in acting developed early, eventually leading him to train at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Career Life
He began his professional career in Britain in the 1970s, appearing in several British television series including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People, The Professionals, and The Third Eye. He also featured in international films and television commercials, building a solid foundation in theatre and screen acting abroad before returning to Nigeria.
Upon his return in the late 1980s, Jacobs became a central figure in the emerging Nigerian film industry that would later be known as Nollywood. With his deep baritone voice, commanding presence, and ability to portray authority figures with authenticity, he became the go-to actor for roles as kings, chiefs, senior advocates, military generals, and other dignified characters.
He appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films and helped bridge traditional theatre with the rapidly expanding video film era. His performances brought a level of professionalism and international polish that elevated many productions.
In 1989, Jacobs married fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple, who first met in 1981 at the National Theatre in Lagos, built both a family and a professional partnership. Together they founded the Lufodo Group, a media corporation involved in film production, distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy trained a new generation of actors and contributed significantly to the development of the industry. Jacobs was affectionately known as “The Lion of Lufodo,” a moniker that reflected both his stature and the institution he helped build with his wife.
Accolades Garnered Through His Career
Throughout his career, Jacobs received numerous accolades. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 for his long service to the film industry.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 MAA Awards, among other recognitions.
In recent years, Jacobs lived with Lewy body dementia, a condition that kept him away from active filmmaking. False reports of his death circulated several times, notably in 2021 and 2024, prompting his family and the Actors Guild of Nigeria to issue repeated denials.
On each occasion, the family confirmed he was still alive. This time, however, the announcement came directly from his son, leaving no room for doubt.
Public Reaction
The news of his death has been met with widespread tributes across Nigeria and the African entertainment community. Colleagues, fans, and industry stakeholders have described him as a brilliant actor both on and off stage, a man of integrity who rose to the highest levels of the profession without major scandals or controversies.
Many have noted that few actors of his generation combined classical training, international experience, and deep roots in Nigerian storytelling the way he did.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their two sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, as well as grandchildren. Details of funeral arrangements have not yet been announced as the family continues to mourn privately.
His passing marks the end of an era for Nollywood. For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs helped shape the image of Nigerian storytelling on stage and screen. From the repertoire theatres of Britain to the video films that defined a generation of African cinema, he brought dignity, craft, and a powerful presence that inspired countless younger actors.
The Lion of Lufodo may have left the stage, but the roar of his legacy will continue to echo through the industry he helped build.
