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 son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Olusoji described his father as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while asking the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
According to the family announcement, Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
The family also described the veteran actor as “The Lion of Lufodo,” a name closely associated with his contribution to theatre, film and the performing arts.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Olu Jacobs was one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian entertainment, with a career that stretched across theatre, television and film.
Before becoming a major figure in Nollywood, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and worked in British television and theatre productions.
His international acting credits included appearances in productions such as The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, as well as several British television series.
He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian films and became particularly known for his commanding screen presence and his ability to portray characters ranging from traditional rulers and politicians to businessmen and family patriarchs.
His contribution was not limited to acting. He and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were also involved in theatre and film production through the Lufodo Group and its performing arts initiatives.
Awards And Recognition
Jacobs received several honours during his career.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He was also honoured with the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 for his contribution to acting.
In 2011, the Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
His work and influence earned him a place among the veteran actors who helped shape Nigeria’s modern film industry.
Marriage To Joke Silva
Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he built one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment families.
The couple were also professional partners and worked together on several theatre and film projects over the years.
In recent years, Jacobs largely stayed away from the public spotlight, while his family remained protective of his privacy.
His death also comes after years in which the actor was repeatedly the subject of false death reports on social media. His family and the Actors Guild of Nigeria had previously dismissed such reports as untrue.
Earlier in July 2026, Joke Silva celebrated Jacobs’ 84th birthday, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressing gratitude for his life.
Family Appeals For Privacy
In announcing his death, the Jacobs family appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
The family has not, in the announcement provided, disclosed further details about the circumstances of his death.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a long career that helped connect Nigeria’s theatre tradition with its modern film industry, as well as a body of work that made him one of the most recognisable veteran actors in the country.
He was 84.
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