Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday.
The family, while announcing his passing, described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and called on bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the period of mourning.
The statement read, “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.”
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.
He was one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and was widely regarded as one of the pioneering veterans of Nollywood.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011.
He was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he had children.
