…. Entertainment body recalls his contributions to Ogun’s development, road safety advocacy
The Ogun State Indigenes Entertainment Professionals Forum (OGIEPROF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, describing him as a distinguished ambassador of Ogun State in the theatre and film industry.
Olu Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his family, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealing to the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect the family’s privacy as it mourns.
In a condolence statement signed by OGIEPROF Convener and General Secretary, Hon. Kehinde Soaga, the body said members were saddened by the death of the veteran thespian but remained grateful to God for the life he lived and his contributions to the creative industry.
Soaga said the forum was “proud of him as our State Ambassador in Theatre and Film Industry,” stressing that Jacobs remained a source of pride to Ogun indigenes and practitioners in the creative sector.
According to OGIEPROF, Jacobs was not merely a celebrated actor but also an active participant in initiatives connected with Ogun State and the entertainment community.
The organisation said the late actor was a patron and trustee of its entertainment practitioners’ forum and participated in activities aimed at advancing the interests of creative professionals.
OGIEPROF further recalled Jacobs’ involvement in the Ogun State rebuilding mission under the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, noting that the actor was passionate about the development of his state of origin.
The forum also said Jacobs served as a member of the Ogun State Unit of the Celebrity Special Marshal, through which he contributed to advocacy for safer roads across Nigeria.
“Uncle Olu was deeply passionate about his state of origin and contributed in different ways to initiatives aimed at its development and the advancement of the creative sector,” the statement said.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film in Nigeria, Britain and internationally. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a distinguished career on stage and screen.
He later became one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s film industry and was recognised with several honours, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 and the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
Although Jacobs was born in Kano on July 11, 1942, authoritative reports have traced his family roots to the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State, a connection that has remained an important part of his identity and his relationship with the state.
His death has consequently triggered tributes across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with colleagues and institutions remembering his decades-long contribution to Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.
OGIEPROF said the death represented the loss of an accomplished son of Ogun State whose career had brought recognition to the state and Nigeria.
The forum expressed gratitude to God for what it described as a “well-fulfilled life” and prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul.
“May his soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.
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