Olu Jacobs
Veteran Nigerian actor and one of the pioneers of Nollywood, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olu Jacobs Junior, announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a statement accompanying a photograph of the late actor, his son described him as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and referred to him as “the Lion of Lufodo.”
The statement gave his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942, and September 16, 2026.
Olu Jacobs was a veteran of Nigerian theatre, television and film and was widely recognised as one of the prominent figures in the development of Nigeria’s film industry.
His family has asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn his death.
Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was one of Nigeria’s most respected veteran actors and a prominent figure in the development of the country’s theatre, television and film industries.
Born on 11 July 1942, Jacobs grew up in Nigeria and developed an interest in acting at an early age. He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Acting career
Jacobs began his professional career largely in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria. His early international work included appearances in British television productions and films during the 1970s and 1980s.
After returning to Nigeria, he became a major presence in Nigerian theatre, television and film. He appeared in numerous Nigerian productions and became particularly known for portraying authoritative characters, including traditional rulers, political figures, businessmen and family patriarchs.
He was part of the generation of actors whose work helped establish the professional foundation for what became known internationally as Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry.
Jacobs also appeared in a number of international productions, including the British-Nigerian film Ashanti (1979) and the 1980 film The Dogs of War.
Recognition
Olu Jacobs received several honours during his career. He was awarded the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the country.
He was also widely recognised within Nigeria’s entertainment industry for his contribution to acting and theatre.
Family
Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran Nigerian actress Joke Silva. The couple became one of Nigeria’s best-known acting partnerships and were involved in theatre and film for several decades.
Later years
In his later years, Jacobs largely withdrew from public appearances and acting. His health became a subject of public discussion, although his family and representatives repeatedly urged the public to respect his privacy.
His death was announced by his son, Olu Jacobs Junior, on September 16, 2026. The family statement described him as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle and referred to him as “the Lion of Lufodo.”
Jacobs died aged 84, bringing to an end a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film.
