Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, made the announcement on Instagram on behalf of the family.
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In the statement, the family described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while also referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The family expressed gratitude for his life and the years he spent with them before appealing to members of the media and social media users to give them privacy as they mourn his death.
From Kano to the Theatre
Olu Jacobs was born into a family with roots in Egba Alake and spent part of his childhood in Kano.
His interest in acting developed at an early age, particularly during his time at Holy Trinity School. His passion for the stage grew after he watched performances by renowned Nigerian theatre practitioner Chief Hubert Ogunde.
Determined to pursue acting professionally, Jacobs later moved to the United Kingdom, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He began his acting career in Britain, appearing in stage productions and television programmes before securing roles in international movies.
Among the films he featured in were The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
A Lasting Nollywood Legacy
Jacobs returned to Nigeria in 1990 and soon became a prominent figure in the country’s growing film and television industry.
Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 120 films, alongside numerous television productions. His deep voice, commanding presence and versatility made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
Away from acting, Jacobs also played an important role in developing Nigeria’s performing arts sector.
He married fellow actress Joke Silva in 1989, and the couple later became involved in the Lufodo Group and established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
His contributions to Nigerian cinema earned him several awards and honours throughout his career. Among them was a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2021.
For decades, Olu Jacobs remained an influential name in Nigerian entertainment, leaving behind a body of work that spans theatre, television and film.
His death marks the loss of one of the veteran performers whose career helped shape Nigeria’s modern entertainment industry.
