Nigeria’s entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who has died at the age of 84.
The death of the legendary actor was announced by his family on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, shared the announcement, while reports also confirmed that his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, communicated the family’s statement.
In the family’s tribute, Jacobs was described as “The Lion of Lufodo,” while the family appealed to bloggers, media practitioners and social media users to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London before establishing himself through appearances in British television productions, international films and, later, Nigerian cinema.
Jacobs became one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian acting, appearing in more than 100 films and taking on memorable roles that included traditional rulers, fathers, politicians and other influential characters. His career included productions such as The Dogs of War, Ashanti, Oloibiri, Adesuwa and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva were closely associated with the development of theatre and professional training in Nigeria. Together, they established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development of younger generations of performers and theatre practitioners.
His career earned him several honours, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011, alongside other industry awards and recognition for his contribution to African theatre and cinema.
Jacobs' death comes after years in which false reports of his passing repeatedly circulated on social media. His family had previously dismissed such reports, including in 2024, when his son publicly confirmed that the actor was alive.
With his death, Nigeria loses one of the most enduring figures of its theatre and film tradition. Tributes are expected from colleagues, filmmakers, actors, government officials and admirers across Nigeria and beyond as the entertainment community remembers a career that helped shape generations of Nigerian storytelling.
May his soul rest in peace.
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