Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to a family announcement shared on social media by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also confirmed the death.
In a statement announcing his passing, the family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude for his life, while appealing to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
“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 family said.
The statement identified him as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR), 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026, and asked the public to allow the family privacy during the mourning period.
From British Television to Nollywood
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting while growing up and later travelled to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His professional career included theatre, television and film work in Britain before he established himself as a major figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
During his years in Britain, Jacobs appeared in a number of television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Angels, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also featured in international films including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
His return to Nigeria marked the beginning of another significant chapter in his career. Jacobs became one of the prominent actors associated with the development of Nigeria’s modern film industry, appearing in more than 100 Nigerian productions. His deep voice, commanding screen presence and ability to portray authority figures made him a familiar presence across generations of Nigerian audiences.
A Decorated Career
Jacobs’ career earned him several major honours.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Dancing Heart. Six years later, he received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In 2016, Jacobs and Joke Silva were among the recipients of the African Movie Academy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their contributions to African cinema.
The Federal Government also honoured Jacobs in 2011 with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Building Beyond Acting
Jacobs’ contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry extended beyond his work in front of the camera.
Together with Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, which encompasses film and theatre production, distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The academy was established to provide professional training in the performing arts and help develop a new generation of creative practitioners.
The Lufodo Group’s official records identify Jacobs as a co-founder and describe a career spanning stage, film and radio, including work with major international organisations such as the BBC, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
Final Years and Repeated Death Rumours
Jacobs’ later years were marked by declining public appearances. Silva had previously spoken publicly about her husband’s health challenges, including dementia, while the family repeatedly pushed back against false reports of his death.
In 2021, 2022 and again in 2024, reports circulating on social media claimed that Jacobs had died. On each occasion, his family or people close to him dismissed the reports. In 2024, Silva said her husband was alive and well, while the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other associates also confirmed that he was alive.
The announcement on Wednesday, however, was made by the family and gives September 16, 2026 as the date of his death.
Jacobs had celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026, just over two months before his death.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs.
His death brings to a close a career that stretched across British theatre and television, international cinema and Nigeria’s film industry. For generations of Nigerian audiences, Jacobs was a defining presence on stage and screen, while his work with Lufodo extended his influence into production and the training of performers.
The family has yet to announce funeral arrangements and has asked the public to respect its privacy as it mourns.