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, with his family announcing his passing and appealing to the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death on social media, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
In the family’s statement, they said: “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 statement identified the actor as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR), 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026, and urged bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
Jacobs, who celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026, built a remarkable career spanning theatre, television and film in Nigeria, Britain and other international productions.
Born in 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before establishing himself as a respected stage and screen actor. His early career included appearances in British television productions and international films before he became one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.
He later became an important figure in Nigeria’s developing film industry and, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Over several decades, Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian and international productions and received major honours for his contribution to the entertainment industry, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour. He also won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
Jacobs had previously been the subject of several false death reports, particularly on social media.
In June 2024, for instance, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) dismissed reports of his death as false. Similar rumours had circulated in earlier years and were repeatedly debunked by his family and colleagues.
The latest announcement, however, was made by members of Jacobs’ immediate family, who confirmed his death and asked the public to allow the family to mourn privately.
A lasting legacy
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades and a body of work that connected Nigerian theatre and cinema with British television and international film.
His performances, mentorship and involvement in the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry established him as one of the veteran figures of Nigerian theatre and film.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their family.
The Nigerian entertainment industry is expected to pay tribute to the actor whose career influenced several generations of performers and filmmakers.
