By NEWSCOUNT Desk
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his death through a statement shared by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
“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),” the family said in the statement.
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, to parents of Egba-Alake origin from Ogun State. He developed an interest in acting while growing up and later travelled to Britain, where he received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
His professional career began in Britain, where he worked in theatre and appeared in several television productions. His credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
He also appeared in international films including Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates, establishing a career that extended beyond the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Jacobs later returned to Nigeria and became one of the prominent actors associated with the development of the country’s film industry. He featured in numerous Nigerian productions and was recognised for his commanding screen presence, deep voice and ability to play a wide range of characters.
His work was not limited to acting. Jacobs and Joke Silva established the Lufodo Group, with interests in film production and distribution, while the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts was created to train practitioners in the performing arts. The couple also worked together on several theatre and film projects.
His contribution to the arts earned him several major honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013. He was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry.
Jacobs and Silva were married for decades and became one of Nigeria’s best-known couples in theatre and film. Their professional partnership also extended into the development of acting and theatre training through their work with Lufodo.
In 2021, Silva disclosed that her husband had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, a progressive neurological condition. The disclosure came after years of false reports about Jacobs’ death, which the family repeatedly dismissed.
Jacobs made one of his notable later public appearances at the Africa International Film Festival in 2021, where he was honoured for his contribution to the film industry.
His death has since prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, politicians and other Nigerians who recalled his long career in theatre, television and film. His passing was also widely reported by major Nigerian and international media organisations following the family’s confirmation.
Jacobs leaves behind his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren, as well as a long list of colleagues, students and friends in the Nigerian and international theatre and film communities.
His death marks the passing of one of the most established figures of Nigeria’s acting profession, after a career that took him from the British stage and television to some of the most important productions in the history of Nigerian theatre and film.
