Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his family on Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026, in a joint statement shared on Instagram by his son, Olusoji Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
The statement described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” It read in part:
“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 confirmed that he died on Wednesday at the age of 84, appealing to the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy as they mourn.
“Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)
11/07/ 1942- 16/09/2026
We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”
Olu Jacobs was one of the most recognised figures in Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industry. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and began his acting career on the British stage and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s emerging film industry.
He appeared in several international productions, including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates, before becoming a familiar face to Nigerian audiences through films and television productions.
In Nollywood, Jacobs built a reputation for playing commanding roles and became one of the industry’s most respected veteran actors. He also worked as a film executive and, alongside Joke Silva, was associated with the Lufodo group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
His career earned him several honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013, and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs’ death also comes after years of false reports about his passing circulated online. In June 2024, for instance, his family publicly dismissed another death rumour, confirming at the time that he was alive.
This time, however, the news has been formally announced by his family.
Olu Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, leaves behind a long career that spanned theatre, television and film and helped establish him as one of the veteran figures associated with Nigerian cinema. See screenshot of statement below:
