Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Multinews reports that his death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The actor’s family also confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealing to bloggers and social media users to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned.
Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, spent more than five decades building a career that spanned theatre, British television, international films and Nollywood.
He was widely regarded as one of the prominent veteran actors whose careers helped shape Nigeria’s film and theatre industries.
Early life
Jacobs was born to parents from the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State, but spent his early years in Kano.
He attended Holy Trinity School, where he participated in debating and drama activities.
His interest in acting was strengthened after he watched a performance by legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner, Hubert Ogunde, in Kano.
The experience inspired him to pursue acting professionally, eventually taking him to Britain for formal training.
Training in Britain
Jacobs studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, one of Britain’s leading drama institutions.
After his training, he worked with repertoire theatres in Britain and appeared in several television productions.
His television credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
He also featured in international films, including The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985 and Roman Polanski’s Pirates in 1986.
Return to Nigeria
After establishing himself in Britain, Jacobs returned to Nigeria and became a major figure in the country’s emerging film and television industry.
Over the years, he appeared in more than 120 Nollywood productions and became particularly associated with roles as kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, patriarchs and other authoritative characters.
His deep voice, commanding screen presence and theatre background made him one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema.
His career also served as a bridge between Nigeria’s traditional theatre culture and the modern film industry.
Awards and recognition
Jacobs received several awards and national honours during his career.
In 2007, he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Dancing Heart.
Four years later, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Federal Government in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
He received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In 2016, the Africa Movie Academy Awards honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marriage to Joke Silver
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.
The pair became one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainment couples and worked together in theatre, film production and arts education.
They co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has interests in film and theatre production, while the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts was established to provide professional training in the performing arts.
The couple’s partnership also extended to the development of young talents in Nigeria’s creative industry.
His later years
Jacobs spent much of his later years away from the public spotlight as his health declined.
In previous years, his health had generated widespread speculation, while his wife, Joke Silva, publicly discussed his battle with dementia with Lewy bodies.
His health also became the subject of repeated false reports of his death.
In June 2024, reports claiming that the actor had died circulated on social media, but his family dismissed the reports and confirmed that he was alive.
The latest announcement, however, was made by members of his immediate family on Wednesday, confirming his death at 84.
A lasting legacy
For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs remained a towering figure in Nigerian entertainment.
From British television and international cinema to the growth of Nollywood, he built a career that crossed generations and borders.
His portrayal of kings, elders, fathers and other figures of authority became a defining part of his screen identity, while his theatre background influenced the way he approached film and television roles.
Beyond acting, his work with Joke Silva in production and performing arts education contributed to the development of younger talents.
His name became closely associated with the generation of veteran actors who helped establish Nollywood as one of Africa’s most prominent film industries.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their family.
He died on September 16, 2026, bringing to an end the life and career of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and decorated actors.