By Asaye Bankole
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The death of the celebrated actor was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.
The statement said:
“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 identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) and stated his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected veteran actors, with a distinguished career spanning theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in several British television productions and international films.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs established himself as one of the leading figures in the country’s entertainment industry.
He became widely recognised for his powerful performances and was regarded as one of the veteran actors who contributed significantly to the development of modern Nollywood.
During his illustrious career, Jacobs received numerous awards and honours.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
He was also honoured with the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and received the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry and national life, he was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011.
Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, and their marriage was widely regarded as one of the prominent unions in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
His death marks the loss of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated acting figures, whose career spanned several decades and left a lasting imprint on theatre, television and Nollywood.
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