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, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared on Instagram. The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as relatives mourn the veteran actor.
A Career That Spanned Theatre, Television and Film
Jacobs was one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian entertainment, building a career that stretched across British theatre and television, international film and the Nigerian movie industry.
Born on July 11, 1942, to parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs grew up in Kano, where his interest in performance developed from an early age. His interest in acting was strengthened after watching the legendary Nigerian dramatist Hubert Ogunde and his troupe perform during their tours of Kano.
He later travelled to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
After his training, Jacobs worked extensively in British theatre and television. His television credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
His international film credits included appearances in The Dogs of War, Roman Polanski’s Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
Return to Nigeria and Rise as a Nollywood Icon
After spending years working in Britain, Jacobs returned to Nigeria in the 1980s and became a prominent figure in the country’s theatre, television and emerging film industry.
One of his major early television roles in Nigeria was as a lead actor in the Nigerian Television Authority detective series ** The Third Eye **.
He subsequently appeared in numerous stage, television and film productions, establishing himself as one of the industry’s most versatile performers.
Over the course of his career, Jacobs became particularly associated with roles portraying traditional rulers, fathers, elders, politicians and other authoritative figures.
The Guardian reported in a 2022 profile that he had appeared in more than 200 home-video productions, around 100 stage productions and about 30 television programmes in Nigeria, in addition to his earlier international work.
Premium Times also reported in 2024 that Jacobs had appeared in more than 100 movies, reflecting the extensive body of work for which he became known.
Awards and National Recognition
Jacobs’ contribution to the Nigerian and African film industry earned him numerous awards and honours.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, recognising his contribution to African cinema.
He was also honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government in 2011.
At the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Jacobs received an Industry Merit Award for his outstanding contribution to acting. He was also recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival.
In 2022, the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria presented him with an Icon Award in recognition of his contribution to the development of Nigeria’s audiovisual industry.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he shared both a personal and professional partnership.
The couple met at the National Theatre in Lagos in 1981 and later built a joint career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. They were also involved in the Lufodo Group, including the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which was established to develop talent and professional capacity in the Nigerian film and performing-arts sector.
Their partnership became one of the most enduring relationships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond his performances, Jacobs played a significant role in the transition between Nigeria’s older theatre and television tradition and the modern Nollywood industry.
His career connected Nigerian stage drama with British television, international cinema and the rapidly expanding Nigerian film industry.
For generations of Nigerian actors and filmmakers, his performances became a reference point for screen presence, diction and character interpretation.
His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and leaves behind a substantial body of work across theatre, television and film.
The family has asked the public to respect its privacy as it mourns his passing.
Olu Jacobs was 84.