Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his wife, actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, sharing the announcement.
The family described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and said he died after a life dedicated to his family and the performing arts. Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media users to respect its privacy as relatives mourn the veteran actor.
Jacobs leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and began his professional career in Britain, appearing in theatre productions and British television programmes before becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s film industry.
His international credits included productions such as The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, while his Nigerian career saw him appear in hundreds of films. He also co-founded the Lufodo Group with Joke Silva, including Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Jacobs received several major honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from AMAA in 2016. He was also awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
His death comes after years of health-related concerns and repeated false reports of his death. In 2024, his family publicly dismissed another death rumour, with his son releasing a video showing Jacobs alive.
The family has now confirmed his death, bringing to an end the life and career of one of Nigeria’s most prominent theatre and screen actors.