Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family, in the announcement, described the veteran actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude for his life and legacy.
The family also appealed to the public, particularly bloggers and social media users, to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and built a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in numerous British television productions before becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.
He featured in more than 100 films and was widely respected for his performances in both Nollywood productions and stage plays.
Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he built a prominent partnership in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
His death comes after years of repeated false reports about his passing. In previous instances, his family had publicly dismissed such reports and confirmed that he was alive.
With his death now announced by his family, tributes are expected to pour in for the veteran actor whose career made a lasting mark on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
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