NOLLYWOOD has lost one of its most recognisable veteran actors, Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his death through his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and built a career spanning theatre, British television and Nigerian cinema. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as a major figure in Nigeria’s film industry.
He became particularly known for commanding roles as kings, fathers, politicians and other authority figures, becoming a familiar face to generations of African film audiences.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests including film production, theatre and performing arts education. He was also honoured by the Nigerian Government with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011 for his contribution to the arts.
His death closes a career that stretched across decades and helped connect Nigeria’s theatrical tradition with the growth of modern Nollywood.
