𝐎𝐥𝐮 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟖𝟒

Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

In a statement, the family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and said his life had been “well lived and fought”.

“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 also appealed for privacy as it mourns.

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” Silva said in the statement.

Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.

Some of his notable film appearances include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day.

He later became one of the most recognised figures in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, known for his commanding screen presence and versatility.

Jacobs received several major honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

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.

Away from acting, Jacobs and Silva jointly established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the development and training of performing artists in Nigeria.

In his later years, Jacobs largely stayed away from the public spotlight because of health challenges.

In 2021, Silva disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative condition affecting the brain.

“It’s a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it’s almost like a Parkinson-type of disease – it affects the brain and affects the person,”

she said in an interview with Nigerian broadcaster Chude Jideonwo.

The family’s announcement ends years of false reports about Jacobs’ death.

In June 2024, his eldest son, Soji, appeared on television to confirm that the actor was still alive.