The curtains have finally closed on one of Africa's greatest actors, veteran Nigerian actor, film executive and cultural icon, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His family announced his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The announcement was made by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as "The Lion of Lufodo" and appealed to the public, bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family's privacy as they mourn.
His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, shared a throwback photo of the actor as the family confirmed the sad news.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano to parents from Egba Alake in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olu Jacobs grew up to become one of the most respected figures in Nigerian entertainment.
His love for acting started early at Holy Trinity School in Kano, where he was a member of the debating and drama societies. He was inspired after watching a performance by legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Chief Hubert Ogunde at Colonial Hotel in Kano, an experience that pushed him to pursue acting professionally.
Determined to hone his craft, Jacobs secured a visa and travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
In Britain, he worked with various repertoire theatres and built an impressive resume in British television during the 1970s, featuring in popular series such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and Barlow at Large.
His international film credits included major productions like The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).
He later returned to Nigeria where he became a defining figure and one of the godfathers of Nollywood, appearing in over 100 films with his commanding voice, dignified presence and unmatched versatility. Whether playing a traditional king, a loving father, an elder statesman or a complex villain, Jacobs brought depth and dignity to every role.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria's most decorated actors. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2013, he received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, for his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group, comprising film production, distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who now lead Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over his passing, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television and film globally.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, also mourned the veteran, describing him as one of the enduring figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry whose contribution extended beyond performances to mentorship and institution building.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said Nigeria has lost a lion, calling Jacobs "a national institution" and one of the pillars of the industry.
In his final years, Jacobs had largely stayed away from the public spotlight following health challenges. In 2021, his wife Joke Silva disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies. His death follows years of false reports about his passing which the family repeatedly debunked, including in June 2024.
He is survived by his wife Joke Silva, his children, grandchildren and the entire Lufodo family.
The Lion of Lufodo has taken his final bow, but his remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.