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 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram. The family described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The family statement gave his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026, and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with a career spanning theatre, British television, international films and Nollywood. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before beginning a professional acting career in the United Kingdom. His early credits included appearances in British television productions such as The Goodies, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People.
He later returned to Nigeria and became a major figure in the country’s emerging film industry. Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films and became particularly recognised for his commanding portrayals of traditional rulers, fathers, businessmen and other authoritative characters.
Jacobs also made significant contributions outside acting. He and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has been involved in film production, distribution and performing-arts training. He received several industry honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
His death comes after years of health-related concerns that repeatedly generated false reports of his passing. In 2024, his family publicly dismissed similar death rumours. Silva had previously disclosed that Jacobs had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, a progressive neurological condition.
Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026. His death now brings to a close a remarkable career that helped connect Nigeria’s theatre tradition with the development of modern Nollywood.
