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. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed the news in separate social media posts.
The family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media users to respect their privacy as they mourned his passing.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs had a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, British television, international films and Nollywood. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognised figures in the country’s film industry.
He featured in numerous Nigerian and international productions and was known for portraying authoritative characters, including kings, chiefs and family patriarchs.
Jacobs received several honours during his career, 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).
Together with Joke Silva, he was also associated with Lufodo Productions and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Jacobs had previously been the subject of false death reports, including in 2024, when his family publicly dismissed claims that he had died. His latest death, however, has been confirmed by members of his immediate family.
