Veteran Nigerian Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Family Confirms

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, with the news confirmed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Olusoji announced his father’s passing in a statement shared on Instagram, describing the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute […]

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, with the news confirmed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Olusoji announced his father’s passing in a statement shared on Instagram, describing the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

“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,” Olusoji wrote in the family announcement.

The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of the celebrated actor.

Jacobs was one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian and African entertainment, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, he developed an interest in acting before travelling to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early career included appearances in British television productions and stage performances before he went on to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.

His career extended beyond Nollywood, with appearances in international productions including The Dogs of War and Pirates, before he became a major figure in Nigeria’s film and television industry. He went on to feature in more than 120 Nollywood films, according to biographical records.

Jacobs also made a major contribution to the development of the Nigerian performing arts alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the training and development of young talents in the creative industry.
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His contribution to Nigerian arts was formally recognised when he received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a lifetime achievement recognition at the MAA awards.

The confirmation of Jacobs’ death has also brought an end to years of recurring false reports about his passing. Previous death rumours had circulated online, including one in 2024 that was publicly dismissed by his family. His son had at the time confirmed that the veteran actor was alive.

This time, however, the announcement has come directly from the family.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry, many of whom have remembered Jacobs for his long contribution to African film, television and theatre.

For generations of viewers, Olu Jacobs was more than an actor. His commanding presence, distinctive voice and ability to portray a wide range of characters helped make him one of the most familiar faces of Nigerian entertainment.

His death marks the end of a remarkable career that crossed generations and extended from British theatre and television to the rise and global growth of Nollywood.

Olu Jacobs was 84.
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