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

Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his death through a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also shared a tribute to the late actor.

The family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourned the veteran actor.

Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He became one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian cinema, particularly known for his commanding voice and performances as traditional rulers, chiefs, fathers and other authority figures.

Early Life and Love for Acting

Olu Jacobs developed an interest in acting while growing up in Nigeria. His passion for the performing arts eventually took him to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

After his training, Jacobs began working professionally in Britain, appearing in theatre productions and British television programmes before establishing himself internationally.

His early television credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, The Professionals and other British television programmes. He also featured in international films including Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.

Return to Nigeria and Rise of a Nollywood Icon

Jacobs later returned to Nigeria at a time when the country’s film industry was developing into what would become the modern Nollywood phenomenon.

He became one of the industry’s most prominent veteran actors, appearing in more than 100 Nigerian film productions and working across theatre, television and cinema.

His deep voice, commanding screen presence and ability to portray complex authority figures made him a familiar face to generations of Nigerian viewers.

Among the films associated with his career are Dancing Heart, Oloibiri, Dry, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Adesuwa and Heroes & Zeros.

Beyond acting, Jacobs also contributed to the development of Nigeria’s performing arts industry as a producer and theatre professional.

Together with Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Awards and National Recognition

Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian and African cinema earned him several major honours throughout his career.

In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

He later received an Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and, in 2016, Jacobs and Joke Silva were jointly recognised with a lifetime achievement honour at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for their contribution to African cinema.

In recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry and the arts, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

One of the defining aspects of Jacobs’ personal and professional life was his long-standing partnership with Joke Silva.

The two actors became one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples, working together professionally while raising their family.

Their partnership also extended to the business and educational side of the creative industry through the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Following Jacobs’ death, Silva joined their family in asking the public to give them privacy while they mourned.

Tributes Pour In

News of Jacobs’ death triggered tributes from actors, politicians and other Nigerians who acknowledged his contribution to the country’s creative industry.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Jacobs as more than a great actor, calling him a cultural icon and an institution whose career helped represent Nigeria’s creative spirit.

Atiku said Jacobs’ influence extended beyond the characters he played, noting that his work had inspired generations of Nigerians and contributed to the foundations of the country’s film industry.

President Bola Tinubu also mourned the actor, describing him as a major figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry whose career helped inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Actress Funke Akindele remembered Jacobs not only for his acting ability but also for his support and encouragement of younger talents in the industry.

She described his contribution to Nollywood as a lasting legacy and extended her condolences to Joke Silva, the Jacobs family and the wider Nigerian film industry.

Actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) also paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him as a pioneer and giant of Nigerian theatre and film. RMD said Jacobs’ professionalism, discipline and commitment to his craft helped create opportunities for actors who came after him.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs moved between British theatre and television, international cinema and Nigerian film, becoming one of the veteran actors whose careers helped connect Nigeria’s established theatre tradition with the rise of Nollywood.

His distinctive voice, stage training and commanding performances became part of the visual identity of Nigerian cinema.

His death at 84 marks the end of the life and career of an actor whose work extended beyond individual films to theatre, acting education, production and the broader development of Nigeria’s creative industry.

Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.

As Nigeria’s entertainment industry mourns, the characters he portrayed and the generations of performers he influenced remain part of his enduring legacy.

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