Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, is dead. He was 84.
The death of the Nollywood legend was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, via an Instagram post on his handle, @mrjacobs_jnr.
“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 in the statement.
The statement identified the late actor as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, (July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026), and appealed for privacy.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the family added.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Olu Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades across British television, international cinema, Nigerian theatre, and Nollywood.
Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, RADA, in London, he began his professional acting career in the United Kingdom, featuring in television productions such as _The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People,_ and _The Professionals_.
He also appeared in international films including _The Dogs of War, Pirates,_ and _Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend_, before returning to Nigeria where he became one of the most respected figures in theatre and film.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Jacobs received numerous honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011, and received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 MAA Awards.
His passing comes two months after his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, describing him as “THE LION OF LUFODO.” Silva had thanked Nigerians for their prayers and goodwill messages at the time.
Jacobs’ death also comes after years of false reports about his demise. In June 2024, the Actors Guild of Nigeria and his family had to publicly dismiss death rumours, with his son sharing a video of the actor to debunk the reports.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren
