Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in a family statement released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude for “a life well lived and fought.”
The statement confirmed that Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, died on September 16. His family also asked bloggers and social-media users to respect their privacy as they mourn.
The announcement was shared through the family’s social-media accounts and independently reported by Premium Times, Nigerian Tribune and BellaNaija.
A career that crossed continents
Jacobs was one of the most respected figures in African film, with a career spanning British theatre, television, international cinema and Nollywood.
Raised in Kano, he developed an interest in acting after attending a performance by the legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde.
He later travelled to the United Kingdom to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
According to his official profile at the Lufodo Group, Jacobs worked as an actor, writer, stage director and producer. His early career included performances in British theatre and appearances in several television productions.
His British television credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and Rumpole of the Bailey.
Jacobs also appeared in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
After returning to Nigeria, he became one of the leading figures in the country’s growing film industry. His commanding voice, measured delivery and ability to portray kings, family patriarchs and powerful community leaders made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable performers.
A Golden Globes profile described him as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with more than 100 appearances in Nigerian films.
Honoured for his contribution to African cinema
Jacobs received numerous awards and national recognition during his career.
He won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2007. In 2013, he received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his contribution to African film.
He was also honoured with the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for his service to Nigerian cinema and culture.
Beyond acting, Jacobs worked with Joke Silva to support the development of younger performers through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy became an important part of the couple’s wider contribution to theatre, professional training and creative education in Nigeria.
Their partnership was widely respected within the entertainment industry. Together, they built careers that connected Nigerian theatre and film with international audiences.
Health and later years
Jacobs had remained largely outside public life in recent years after Joke Silva disclosed in 2021 that he was living with dementia with Lewy bodies.
His family continued to care for him privately while occasionally sharing photographs and updates with the public.
Several false reports of his death circulated during those years. His family repeatedly dismissed the claims and appealed for responsible reporting.
In 2024, Olusoji shared a video showing his father alive after another false report spread online.
Wednesday’s announcement came directly from the family, providing formal confirmation of his death.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work that helped shape Nollywood and demonstrated that Nigerian actors could build distinguished careers across theatre, television and cinema.
He is survived by Joke Silva, their children and other members of the Jacobs family.
