Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His family confirmed his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, sharing the announcement on social media.
The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to him as the “Lion of Lufodo.”
The statement listed his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026 and asked bloggers and social media users to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.
Olu Jacobs’ Acting Career
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.
His international credits included The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates. He later became one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.
A Major Figure in Nollywood
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s growing film industry. He was known for playing kings, traditional rulers, chiefs and authoritative characters.
His deep voice and commanding screen presence made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable veteran actors. His career also extended into film production and arts education.
Together with Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has contributed to training performers in Nigeria.
Awards and National Honours
Jacobs received several major recognitions during his career. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He later received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The African Movie Academy Awards also honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2011, the Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the arts.
His Final Years
Jacobs largely stayed away from the public spotlight in his later years.
Joke Silva had previously spoken publicly about his health and disclosed that he was living with dementia with Lewy bodies.
However, the family has not stated that the condition was the cause of his death.
Jacobs had also been the subject of several false death reports before his actual passing. In 2024, his family publicly dismissed one such report and confirmed that he was alive.
A Lasting Legacy
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a career that connected British theatre, international cinema and Nigerian filmmaking His performances influenced generations of Nigerian actors and helped shape the identity of Nollywood.
His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades. As colleagues, filmmakers and fans mourn, Jacobs’ body of work remains part of the history of Nigerian and African cinema.
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, aged 84, after decades as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors. From British television and international films to Nollywood, his career left a lasting mark on African entertainment.
