Nigeria’s film industry has lost one of its most celebrated veterans, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
The Guardian reports that the death was announced by his family through his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The family statement gave his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026, and appealed to the public and social media commentators to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career across theatre, television and film that spanned several decades. He received formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, after which he worked extensively in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria and becoming one of the defining faces of the country’s emerging film industry.
Jacobs’ international career included appearances in British television productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also featured in international films, including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates. His stage work included productions at major British theatres, further establishing his credentials long before Nollywood became a globally recognised film industry.
Upon becoming a major presence in Nigerian cinema, Jacobs became known for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and versatility across a wide range of roles. He appeared in more than 100 films and became regarded as one of the influential elder figures who helped shape the Nigerian film industry. His body of work earned him major honours, including the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. He later received the African Movie Academy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, adding to a long list of industry honours accumulated during his career.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva built a significant legacy in theatre and training through their Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, established to nurture performers and develop professional skills in Nigeria’s creative industry. The academy has also been involved in major theatrical productions, reflecting the couple’s broader contribution to the development of Nigeria’s performing arts beyond the screen.
Olu Jacobs’ death also closes a remarkable chapter in Nigerian entertainment, coming after years in which he remained an enduring symbol of professional excellence and longevity in the performing arts. His passing is particularly significant because previous reports of his death had been repeatedly debunked by his family, including in 2024 when his son, Soji Jacobs, confirmed that he was alive. This time, however, the announcement has come directly from the family, confirming the death of the 84-year-old screen and stage legend.
Additional source: Wikipedia
