17 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Olu Jacobs, Nollywood’s ‘Lion of Lufodo’

Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, a Nigerian actor and film executive, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, died at the age of 84.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday morning, announced the sad demise via Instagram.

The family via a statement, described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy.

“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.

Here are 17 things you probably did not know about veteran Nollywood actor and film legend, Olu Jacobs:

1. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, was a veteran Nigerian actor, film executive and elder statesman of Nollywood.
2. He was born on July 11, 1942 in Kano to parents from Egba Alake in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
3. He attended Holy Trinity School in Kano, where his love for performance grew through the debating and drama societies.
4. His decision to pursue acting professionally was sealed after watching one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s concert parties at the Colonial Hotel in Kano.
5. Determined to train properly, Jacobs travelled to England to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
6. He went on to work with various repertoire theatres in Britain and became a familiar face on British television in the 1970s.
7. Before Nollywood existed, he featured in UK series including _The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People,_ and _The Professionals_.
8. On stage, he played President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s _Night and Day_ (1978). His international film credits include _The Dogs of War_ (1980), _Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend_ (1985) and Roman Polanski’s _Pirates_ (1986).
9. Upon returning to Nigeria, he became a defining figure of stage, television and film.
10. Vanguard described him as one of the “godfathers of Nollywood” alongside Pete Edochie.
11. His career spanned 1970-2026 with over 120 Nollywood credits, including _Vigilante, Blood Diamond, Dry_ and _The Royal Hibiscus Hotel_.
12. With his deep baritone and regal presence, he became Nollywood’s go-to for kings, chiefs and generals, earning the revered nickname ‘Lion of Lufodo’.
13. His honours include the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (2007), the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Industry Merit Award (2013), and a Lifetime Achievement Award (2016).
14. He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
15. In 1989, he married fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, whom he met when he returned to Nigeria to perform in Wole Soyinka’s _The Trials of Brother Jero_.
16. Together they co-founded the Lufodo Group — a media and production company and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has mentored thousands of actors.
17. He passed peacefully today, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, as announced by his son Olusoji Jacobs and his family, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo”