BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.

The family described Jacobs as their “dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle” and paid tribute to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

The statement gave his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026, and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British television and international productions.

He later became one of the most recognisable actors in Nollywood, appearing in numerous Nigerian films and earning major industry honours. He was also a co-founder of the Lufodo Group alongside Joke Silva and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday in July 2026.

His death marks the passing of one of the veteran actors whose career spanned generations of Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.