Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies At 84

Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

Veteran Nigerian actor 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 an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The family described the actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn. Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before establishing himself in British television and international productions. His early television credits included programmes such as The Goodies, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and Barlow at Large. Jacobs later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the prominent figures in the development of the country’s modern film industry. In Nollywood, Jacobs became widely recognised for portraying kings, traditional rulers, chiefs, patriarchs and other authoritative figures. His commanding voice and theatrical background made him one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema, and his career included appearances in hundreds of productions. He also worked as a film executive and, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was involved in the Lufodo Group and the development of Nigeria’s performing arts industry. Jacobs received several major honours during his career. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also honoured with the national title Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.The announcement from Olusoji Jacobs gave the date of his death as September 16, 2026, bringing an end to the life of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors.The family said it was grateful for his life and urged the public to allow them to mourn privately. Jacobs’ death marks the passing of a major figure whose career connected Nigerian theatre and television with international productions and helped shape generations of Nollywood audiences.