The Nigerian film industry was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following the death of veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his passing in a statement shared on Instagram, describing him as a dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and remembering him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn their loss. Jacobs’ death brought to an end a career that spanned more than five decades and touched theatre, television and film.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olu Jacobs began his journey in the performing arts through theatre. He later travelled to England, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His training exposed him to professional theatre and helped establish the foundation for the acting career that would later make him a household name in Nigeria.
Before returning to Nigeria, Jacobs built considerable experience in British theatre and television. He appeared in several British television productions and international films, including The Dogs of War and Pirates. His international experience gave him a level of versatility that distinguished him when he became more prominent in the Nigerian film industry.
On screen, he was particularly known for portraying kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, fathers, politicians, businessmen and other authoritative characters. His deep voice, commanding presence and ability to portray both strength and vulnerability made him instantly recognizable.
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His contribution to the industry was also recognised through several awards and honors. 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 a lifetime achievement honor. In 2011, the Federal Government of Nigeria conferred on him the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the Nigerian arts.
Beyond acting, Jacobs also invested in the future of the performing arts. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which focused on training and developing emerging performers. His influence therefore extended beyond the characters audiences saw on screen to the people he helped prepare for careers in the industry.
Silva remained a major source of support for Jacobs, particularly during the difficult later years of his life. Those later years were marked by significant changes in his health. Jacobs was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a progressive condition that can affect thinking, memory, movement and behavior. As his condition progressed, he withdrew from acting and public life, gradually becoming less visible to the audience that had known and admired him for years.
His health also became the subject of repeated speculation and false reports of his death. On several occasions, unverified reports circulated online claiming that he had died. In 2024, another false report spread across social media, forcing people close to him and representatives of the actors’ community to publicly confirm that he was still alive. His family repeatedly appealed to members of the public and bloggers to stop spreading unverified information and to respect his privacy.
That history makes his family’s announcement on September 16 particularly painful. After years of false reports, the news was finally confirmed by those closest to him.
The Lion of Lufodo has left the stage, but the sound of his work, his voice and his contribution to Nollywood will remain long after the curtain has fallen.
