Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies At 84
Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies At 84
Veteran Nollywood icon, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has passed away.
His death was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, the family described him as The Lion of Lufodo.
The statement read: "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 Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 - 16/09/2026.
We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning over five decades across theatre, television and film.
Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, he started his career in Britain before returning to Nigeria where he became a defining figure of Nollywood.
He is a recipient of the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2013), and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Together with his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has trained hundreds of actors and filmmakers.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren.
