Nigerian cinema has lost one of its most revered figures following the passing of veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs. He died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, shared the announcement through an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Writing on behalf of the family, he expressed gratitude for his father’s impactful life while requesting privacy from social media commentators and public figures during their period of grief.
The statement honoured the late screen icon as “The Lion of Lufodo” and celebrated his decades-long artistic journey and personal resilience.
“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.
We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
An international acting foundation and pioneering Nollywood career
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a landmark creative career that spanned more than five decades across international theatre, television, and film.
His formal training took place in England at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). During his time in the United Kingdom, he established himself through performances in various repertory theatre productions and made appearances in popular British television shows, including The Goodies, The Professionals, and Angels, alongside featured roles in international feature films.
Jacobs returned to Nigeria in the 1980s, bringing his formal stage background and refined screen presence to the burgeoning home-video industry.
He quickly became a cornerstone of modern Nollywood, frequently portraying authoritative patriarchs, traditional rulers, and complex father figures.
His commanding voice, regal delivery, and meticulous approach to roles helped elevate performance standards across the industry.
Alongside his wife, acclaimed actress Joke Silva, Jacobs helped shape the professional landscape of Nigerian entertainment. Together, they established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, nurturing new talent and producing high-profile stage and screen projects.
Major industry honours and awards
Throughout his extensive career, Jacobs received widespread recognition from cultural organisations and industry bodies both locally and internationally:
Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA): Won Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 for his performance in Dancing Heart. He was later honoured with the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
National Honours: Conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 by the Nigerian government for his contributions to the arts.
Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA): Presented with the prestigious Industry Merit Award in 2013 in recognition of his lifelong dedication to African television and cinema.
Later years, health battle, and lasting legacy
In his final years, Jacobs stepped back from active filming due to health challenges. In 2021, his wife Joke Silva publicly shared that the actor had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a progressive neurodegenerative condition. The family managed his health privately, occasionally addressing online speculation while celebrating his enduring artistic achievements.
His passing has prompted a widespread outpouring of tributes across the entertainment industry and political landscape, with colleagues, fans, and national leaders acknowledging his profound influence as one of the founding pillars of modern African cinema.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children, and grandchildren.
Read Also: Olu Jacobs has dementia – wife, Joke Silva reveals actor’s health condition
