By: Olayemi Marvellous
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram.
The statement described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to him 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 gave his dates as July 11, 1942 , September 16, 2026, confirming that he died at the age of 84.
They also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn his death.
A career that crossed borders
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning theatre, television and film, both in Nigeria and abroad.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before beginning a professional career that included appearances in British television productions and international films.
His work later took him back to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable faces in the country’s growing film industry.
Over several decades, Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian and international productions and became particularly known for his commanding screen presence and distinctive voice.
His career also extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has been involved in film production and the development of performing arts in Nigeria.
One of Nollywood’s respected veterans
Jacobs was widely regarded as one of the veteran figures who helped shape Nigeria’s modern film and theatre industry.
His career included work with international organisations and productions, while his Nigerian filmography ran into hundreds of films, according to reports citing the Lufodo Group.
He also received major industry recognition, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa International Film Festival.
In 2011, Jacobs was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Marriage to Joke Silva
Jacobs’ career was closely intertwined with that of his wife, Joke Silva, one of Nigeria’s most respected actresses.
The couple became one of the most prominent partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and worked together through the Lufodo Group.
News of Jacobs’ death comes after years of recurring false reports about his passing. In June 2024, his family publicly dismissed another death rumour, with his relatives confirming at the time that he was alive.
This time, however, the family has officially confirmed his death.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a decades-long legacy on the Nigerian stage and screen, having worked across theatre, television and film during a career that spanned more than five decades.
The family has not disclosed further details about the circumstances or cause of his death and has asked the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.