Veteran Nigerian 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 Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” while appealing to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the period of mourning.
“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, with the dates 11/07/1942–16/09/2026.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” the statement read.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film in Britain and Nigeria.
Born in Nigeria, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his professional acting career in Britain.
During his years there, he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions as well as international films.
Following his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became a major figure in the country’s growing film industry and established himself as one of the veteran actors associated with the development and prominence of Nollywood.
His career earned him several major honours.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry, Jacobs was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Beyond his screen career, Jacobs was widely recognised for his work in theatre and his influence on generations of Nigerian actors.
He was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he built one of Nigeria’s most recognised partnerships in the entertainment industry.
His death marks the loss of one of the enduring figures of Nigerian theatre, television and film, whose career helped connect the country’s theatrical tradition with its modern screen industry.
