Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Is Died  

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his death and asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in an Instagram post, describing his father as the “Lion of Lufodo.”

“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,” he wrote.

He added: “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Jacobs, who turned 84 on July 11, was born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs in Kano on July 11, 1942. He became one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors and was known for his commanding performances, often playing fathers, elders, traditional rulers and political figures.

He received formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London. His professional career began in Britain, where he appeared in television productions and stage performances during the 1970s.

His British television credits included The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also appeared in international films, including Ashanti in 1979, The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985 and Pirates in 1986.

After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the actors associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry and was regarded as one of the pioneers of Nollywood.

He appeared in more than 120 Nigerian films during his career, including Oloibiri, Dry, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Adesuwa and Heroes & Zeros. His work across different generations helped establish him as one of the most respected figures in Nigerian cinema.

Jacobs received several major industry honours for his contribution to acting. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Dancing Heart.

In 2011, he was honoured by the Nigerian government with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). He later received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In 2016, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were jointly honoured with the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to African cinema.

Jacobs and Silva were one of Nollywood’s best-known couples. They worked together in the entertainment industry and co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has interests in film production and distribution, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

His death marks the loss of a veteran whose work crossed generations, from British television and international films to the growth of Nigeria’s modern film industry.