Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
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His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, describing the acclaimed actor as the “Lion of Lufodo.”
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” the family said.
The family also appealed for privacy, urging bloggers and social media influencers to respect their wishes during the period of mourning.
Details surrounding the immediate cause of death were not disclosed.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a distinguished acting career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in several British television and international productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s film industry.
Jacobs featured in more than 100 films and became renowned for his commanding portrayals of monarchs, patriarchs and other authoritative characters, earning widespread recognition across generations of Nigerian audiences.
His career brought him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, through which they contributed to the training and development of younger Nigerian creative professionals.
In 2021, Silva publicly disclosed that her husband had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, a progressive neurological condition. In the years that followed, the family repeatedly dismissed false social media reports about his death before Wednesday’s announcement.
Tributes began pouring in following confirmation of his passing, with actors, musicians and other members of the entertainment industry celebrating his contribution to Nigerian theatre and cinema.
Actor and comedian Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, described Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all,” while actor Shawn Faqua called him “an Iroko indeed.”
Singer Darey Art Alade wrote, “Go well Dad,” while actress Kehinde Bankole described his life as “a beautiful life” and his legacy as “legendary.”
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren, leaving behind a career that helped shape modern Nigerian theatre and Nollywood.
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