Nigeria's entertainment industry mourns one of its most respected actors, whose career spanned British theatre and television, international cinema and generations of Nollywood. Nollywood is mourning the death of veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who has passed away at the age of 84. The news was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, sharing the announcement.
The family described the late actor as 'The Lion of Lufodo' and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the period of mourning. Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built an extraordinary career that stretched across theatre, television and film for more than five decades. Before becoming one of Nollywood's most recognisable faces, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and established himself through British theatre and television.
He appeared in productions including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals, before later featuring in international films. Jacobs eventually returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country's film industry. His commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and versatility made him a household name across generations.
His contribution to African cinema was recognised with several major honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2013, and was presented with a lifetime achievement award in 2016. He was also conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were closely associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their influence into film production and the training of younger performers. Jacobs' death also comes after years in which false reports of his passing repeatedly circulated online. In 2024, his family publicly dismissed one such rumour and confirmed that he was alive.
The latest announcement, however, has come directly from his family. With his death, Nollywood has lost one of the most recognisable figures from its pioneering generation. He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their family. Olu Jacobs was 84.
