By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

The respected actor died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his passing in a statement shared on Instagram by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while remembering him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

His death brings to a close a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

Born in Kano on July 11, 1942, to parents from Egba Alake, Jacobs developed an interest in acting at an early age. He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Jacobs went on to build an international career, appearing in British television productions, stage performances and international films before becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.

According to the Lufodo Group, which he co-founded with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs worked with major organisations including the BBC, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, MGM, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in Britain.

His Nigerian film career eventually grew to more than 300 movie appearances.

Beyond acting, Jacobs played an important role in developing Nigeria’s professional theatre and film industry. He and Silva established the Lufodo Group, which includes Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Jacobs served as chairman of the group, while Silva remained involved in the academy and other creative projects.

His contributions to the entertainment industry 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 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In 2016, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Africa Movie Academy Awards. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Jacobs’ personal life was equally connected to the Nigerian entertainment industry. He and Joke Silva met in the early 1980s and later married, building a partnership that extended from their family life into their professional careers.

In 2021, Silva publicly revealed that Jacobs had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. She later spoke about the effect of the illness on the actor and how it contributed to his withdrawal from public life.

Despite his reduced public appearances in his later years, Jacobs remained widely respected by colleagues and fans.

In July 2026, Silva celebrated his 84th birthday with a tribute to her husband, referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

Jacobs leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his numerous acting credits and awards. His commanding presence, distinctive voice and versatility across stage, television and film helped make him one of the defining actors of his generation.