By Abidemi Omoyajowo
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The family confirmed his passing on Wednesday in a statement shared on social media by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, alongside his wife and veteran actress, Joke Silva.
The family described the late screen legend as “The Lion of Lufodo” and announced that he died after a remarkable life dedicated to his family and the performing arts.
“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. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR). 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026,” the family said.
The family also appealed to bloggers, social media influencers and members of the public to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the statement added.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Jacobs’ death comes just two months after he celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11. At the time, Joke Silva paid tribute to her husband, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressing gratitude for his life.
The official announcement also ends years of uncertainty surrounding repeated false reports of the actor’s death. On several occasions, including in 2022 and 2024, his family publicly dismissed social media reports claiming that the celebrated actor had died.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before beginning a career that would take him from British television and international cinema to the centre of Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
During his years in Britain, he appeared in several television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Angels and The Professionals. He also featured in international films such as The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs established himself as one of the defining figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film. His commanding stage presence, distinctive voice and versatility made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
He was also instrumental in the development of the Nigerian entertainment industry beyond acting. Together with Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the development of the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Jacobs’ contribution to the Nigerian creative industry earned him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He also received several major industry recognitions, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007, the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
For generations of Nigerians and audiences across Africa, Olu Jacobs represented a distinctive era of acting in which theatre, television and cinema intersected. His career helped bridge Nigeria’s traditional stage culture with the modern film industry.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.
As tributes begin to pour in across Nigeria and beyond, the entertainment industry mourns the passing of a veteran whose career spanned British television, African theatre and the evolution of Nollywood.
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