Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, marking a heartbreaking loss for Nollywood and the wider African entertainment industry.
The veteran actor, whose real name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His family announced his passing through a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
The family described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while referring to him as βThe Lion of Lufodo.β They also asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned the celebrated actor.
Olu Jacobs had turned 84 on July 11, 2026, just over two months before his death.
Olu Jacobs Leaves Behind a Remarkable Legacy
Olu Jacobs was one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian theatre, television and film.
His professional career stretched across more than five decades and included work in Britain, Nigeria and international productions. His commanding voice, distinctive screen presence and ability to portray characters with authority helped establish him as one of the defining actors of his generation.
Before becoming a major figure in Nollywood, Jacobs developed his craft in Britain.
He travelled to the United Kingdom in 1964 and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He subsequently worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, bringing years of international acting experience with him.
His British television credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.
Olu Jacobs Became a Nollywood Icon
After establishing himself in Nigeria, Olu Jacobs became an important figure in the country’s rapidly developing film industry.
He appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films and became particularly known for playing authoritative characters, including traditional rulers, patriarchs, political figures and other influential personalities.
His career was not limited to film. Jacobs was also deeply involved in theatre and television, helping bridge different generations of African performers.
His work earned him several major honours during his career.
Among them was the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, which he won in 2007. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards 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 arts.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva Shared a Legendary Marriage
Away from acting, Olu Jacobs was also known for his long marriage to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva.
The two met in 1981 while working at the National Theatre in Lagos and later married in 1985. Their relationship became one of the best-known partnerships in Nigerian entertainment.
Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group, which became involved in theatre, film production and the development of performers.
Their work also extended to the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, reflecting their interest in nurturing new talent within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The couple had two sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga, after losing their first child, Dayo, in childhood. Olusoji later became involved in the family’s entertainment business.
His Final Years Away From the Screen
Olu Jacobs’ later years were marked by health challenges that gradually took him away from acting and public appearances.
In 2021, Joke Silva publicly disclosed that her husband had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. She later spoke about the impact of the illness on their family and their life together.
His health also became the subject of repeated false death reports.
In previous years, reports claiming that the veteran actor had died circulated online, but his family repeatedly denied them. The latest announcement, however, came directly from his family following his death on September 16.
The family has asked the public to give them privacy during the mourning period.
Nigeria Mourns Olu Jacobs
News of Olu Jacobs’ death has prompted tributes from across Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond.
President Bola Tinubu mourned the actor and described him as a major figure in Nigeria’s creative industry. He highlighted Jacobs’ career across theatre, television and film and his influence on generations of performers.
Other actors and entertainment personalities have also paid tribute to the veteran actor, remembering his contribution to Nigerian cinema and theatre.
For many viewers, Olu Jacobs represented an era of Nigerian film in which commanding performances and theatrical training shaped the country’s growing screen industry.
His influence extended beyond the characters he played. Through theatre, film production, training and mentorship, he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem.
A Lasting Legacy
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a career that connected British theatre and television with the rise of modern Nollywood.
From his early days in Kano to his training at RADA, his years on British stages and television and his eventual emergence as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, his journey covered several generations of African entertainment.
His death at 84 closes an extraordinary chapter in Nigerian acting.
As family, friends, colleagues and fans mourn, Olu Jacobs’ work remains preserved through the many films, television productions and theatrical projects that defined his career.
The Lion of Lufodo has died, but his contribution to Nigerian theatre and film will continue to be remembered by audiences and performers across Africa and beyond.
