Olu Jacobs Dies at 84: Nollywood Loses One of Its Most Celebrated Actors

Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84. The actor died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His family announced the news through a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, bringing an end to the life and career of one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film. The family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” while announcing his passing and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period. Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built an acting career that stretched across more than five decades. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his professional career in Britain, where he appeared in theatre and television productions before returning to Nigeria and becoming a major figure in the country’s growing film industry. Jacobs was known for his distinctive voice, commanding presence and ability to take on a wide range of characters. From traditional rulers and family patriarchs to political and dramatic roles, he became a familiar face to generations of Nigerian viewers. His work was not limited to Nollywood. His international credits included appearances in productions such as The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates. Olu Jacobs’ influence extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was involved in the Lufodo Group, which has worked across areas including film production, distribution and training through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. His contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry earned him several recognitions. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by AMAA in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Tributes Begin to Pour In
News of Jacobs’ death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Actors, filmmakers and fans have taken to social media to remember the veteran performer and reflect on his influence on Nigerian cinema. President Bola Tinubu and other public figures have also expressed condolences to the Jacobs family. For many Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was more than a familiar face on television. His career represented a bridge between Nigeria’s traditional theatre culture and the modern film industry. Olu Jacobs leaves behind his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren, as well as a body of work that has reached audiences across Nigeria, Africa and beyond. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of Nigerian actors who helped shape the country’s entertainment industry. The spotlight may have gone dark on Olu Jacobs, but the characters he brought to life, the performers he inspired and the contribution he made to Nigerian storytelling will remain part of the country’s cultural history.
Olu Jacobs, the Lion of Lufodo, has taken his final bow.