Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor and one of the country’s most celebrated thespians, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, sharing the news on social media.
In the family statement, the late actor was described as “The Lion of Lufodo”, as the family expressed gratitude for his life and legacy.
“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 statement read.
The family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR), giving his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as it mourns the veteran actor.
Jacobs, who celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, British television, international cinema and Nollywood.
Born in Kano on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting from an early age. He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
He began his professional career in theatre and subsequently featured in several British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable faces in the country’s entertainment industry.
His British television credits included productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also appeared in international films including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
After establishing himself in Nigeria, Jacobs became a major figure in the development of the country’s theatre and film industries. His commanding voice, stage presence and versatility made him a prominent actor across generations.
He was also a film executive and, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Throughout his career, Jacobs received numerous honours for his contribution to the arts. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 MAA Awards.
Jacobs was married to Joke Silva, with whom he shared a long-standing partnership both in family life and the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His later years were marked by concerns over his health, with his family previously dismissing several false reports of his death. In 2024, his son and other representatives of the family publicly debunked another death rumour, confirming that the veteran actor was alive at the time.
The confirmation of his death on Wednesday therefore brought an end to years of recurring false reports about the actor’s demise.
With his passing, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has lost one of its most enduring actors, whose career connected the country’s traditional theatre with British television, international cinema and the modern Nollywood era.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren.