Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, describing the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
Olusoji, while announcing the passing, said the family was grateful to God for his life and legacy and appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy at the time of mourning.
He described his father as “The Lion of Lufodo”, a reference to the legacy he built alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, through their work in theatre, film and entertainment.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential actors, with a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film. He began his professional career in the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and appeared in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria.
He subsequently became a major presence in Nollywood, appearing in numerous Nigerian films and earning widespread recognition for his commanding screen presence and versatility.
Beyond acting, Jacobs was also a film executive and, alongside Joke Silva, was associated with the Lufodo Group, an entertainment company involved in theatre, film production and training.
His contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry earned him several honours, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs’ death marks the passing of one of the figures whose work helped shape Nigeria’s modern film and theatre landscape, leaving behind a career that spanned generations.
The family has asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.
