Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84. According to his family, who announced his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the performer and “Lion of Lufodo” left behind a legacy that bridged British television and the era of Nigerian film production.
Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, widely recognized by his fans and peers as Olu Jacobs, passed away at the age of 84, as announced by his family on social media on Wednesday morning. Na wit gratitude to God for life well live and fought, dat we announce di passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR),
the family stated, honoring the veteran actor with the moniker that defined his presence on stage and screen.
From Royal Academy Training to British Television
Born on July 11, 1942, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs built an extensive foundational career before helping shape the Nigerian film industry. Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early professional path established him in British television during the 1970s, where he gathered extensive international stage and screen experience before pivoting toward film production in Nigeria during the 1980s.
That international background allowed him to bring a distinct dimension to his craft, bridging divergent characters and entertainment traditions across both British and Nigerian spaces. Over a career spanning decades, Jacobs appeared in more than 100 films, cementing his status as one of Nollywood’s defining actors.
Honors, Awards, and the Lufodo Legacy
Jacobs’ contributions to the arts brought him numerous accolades and national recognition. In 2007, he received the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2011, he was awarded the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Beyond his individual performances, Jacobs collaborated closely with his wife, actress Joke Silva, to build institutions dedicated to the performing arts. Together, the couple established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, creating formal structures to train and elevate upcoming talent within the industry.
Later Years and Family Tributes
In recent years, Jacobs stepped back from the active movie scene while living with Lewy body dementia, a condition that kept him away from the public eye. False rumors regarding his health and passing circulated multiple times online, notably in 2021 and 2024, prompting family members to step forward and confirm that he was alive.
The family’s announcement on September 16, 2026, finalizes the chapter on a life in entertainment. Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, alongside their children and grandchildren.
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