NOLLYWOOD ICON OLU JACOB DIES AT 84

Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, through a statement shared on Instagram, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

The family paid tribute to him as “The Lion of Lufodo,” while expressing gratitude for a life they described as well lived and fought. They also asked the public and bloggers to respect the family’s privacy as they come to terms with his death.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades, moving between theatre, British television, international film and Nigeria’s emerging home-video industry before becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable veteran actors.

His acting journey began in Britain after he travelled to study drama and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He subsequently appeared in a number of British television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Tomorrow People, The Professionals and Rumpole of the Bailey.

His international film credits also included Ashanti (1979), The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986), where he appeared alongside established international actors.

Jacobs later returned to Nigeria, where he became an important figure in the development of the country’s film and television industry.

One of his notable Nigerian television roles was Inspector Best Idafa in The Third Eye. He subsequently appeared in numerous productions, including Violated, Igodo, Soul on Fire, Dancing Heart, Adesuwa, Oloibiri and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel.

His performance in Dancing Heart earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He was also recognised with the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and an AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, the Nigerian government honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the country’s culture and entertainment industry.

Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group, which became involved in film production, distribution and training. The couple also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts to help develop new talent.

For many viewers, Jacobs became particularly associated with characters of authority — including kings, chiefs, elders, fathers and other commanding figures. His deep voice, theatrical training and screen presence made him a familiar face across generations of African audiences.

His death also brings renewed attention to the health challenges he faced in his later years.

In a 2021 interview with journalist Chude Jideonwo, Silva publicly disclosed that Jacobs had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a progressive neurological condition. She said the illness had affected him and the family over several years and spoke about how difficult it had been to watch someone she had worked and shared life with face the condition.

The disclosure came after years of public speculation about Jacobs' health, particularly as he became less visible on screen and at public events.

Jacobs and Silva married in 1989 and became one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples. Their professional partnership extended beyond their marriage, with the pair appearing together in productions and building businesses within the creative industry.

Following news of his death, tributes began appearing from colleagues and fans across social media.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo described Jacobs as a “Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman.”

Actor and comedian Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, called him a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!”

Williams Uchemba described Jacobs’ life as “a life well spent,” while Broda Shaggi shared a message mourning the veteran and praying for his eternal rest.

Other actors also joined the tributes. Funke Akindele wrote, “May his soul rest in peace,” while Ini Edo said, “Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”

Kehinde Bankole described his passing as the end of “a beautiful life” and celebrated the legacy he left behind. Darey Art Alade offered a brief farewell, writing, “Go well Dad,” while Shawn Faqua referred to Jacobs as “an Iroko indeed.”

From British television to international cinema and, ultimately, the growth of Nollywood, Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work that stretches across several generations of audiences.

His influence was not limited to the characters he played. Through his performances, professional experience and work with emerging talent, he became part of the generation that helped establish Nigerian screen acting as a major force in African entertainment.
Shine on your way, "The Lion of Lufodo."