Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The Jacobs family announced his death in a statement released on Wednesday, signed by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
According to the family, the respected thespian died after a career spanning several decades in British television, international cinema, Nigerian theatre and Nollywood.
“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. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR). 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026,” the family said.
The family, however, did not disclose the cause of his death.
It also appealed to members of the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to allow the family to mourn privately.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the statement added.
The announcement comes just over two months after Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026.
His wife had marked the occasion with a tribute in which she described him affectionately as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude for his life.
Jacobs’ career was not confined to Nollywood.
After receiving training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he established himself as a black actor on British television and appeared in productions including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Angels and The Professionals.
He also featured in international films, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the influential figures in the country’s theatre and film industry, bringing decades of professional stage and screen experience to the emerging Nigerian film sector.
His commanding voice, theatrical delivery and distinctive screen presence subsequently made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
He was particularly renowned for portraying authoritative, complex and sometimes imposing characters, a style that helped cement his reputation among Nigerian and African audiences.
Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian arts and culture earned him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He also received major industry recognition during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007, the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva were associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development and training of talents within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The couple, who married in the 1980s, became one of the most recognised partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The death announcement brings to an end the life of an actor whose career crossed generations and continents.
For decades, Jacobs remained a familiar face to television, theatre and film audiences, particularly as Nollywood expanded from a relatively young Nigerian film industry into a major force in African entertainment.
His passing is also likely to renew attention on the contributions of the generation of Nigerian actors who helped bridge traditional theatre, television and the modern Nigerian film industry.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.
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