Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, his family confirmed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the news in an Instagram post, describing the actor as a cherished husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The family referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo” in their statement: “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… Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942–16/09/2026.”
The family also asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during this time.
Jacobs had a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he began his career in British television and international productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. He earned numerous industry honours, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.
He was married to veteran actress Joke Silva since 1989, and together they founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, an institution dedicated to training young talent in theatre and film.
Jacobs had lived with dementia with Lewy bodies in recent years, a condition his wife had spoken about publicly, and had largely stepped back from public life. His death closes out a career that helped shape multiple generations of Nigeria’s
