Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, professionally known as Olu Jacobs, has d!ed at the age of 84. His family announced the news on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a statement shared on social media by his son Olusoji Jacobs, the family said: “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 Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.” His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also confirmed the passing and requested privacy for the family during their mourning.
Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, was widely regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and began his career in British television and theatre, appearing in series such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, and others, as well as international films.
He later returned to Nigeria and became a commanding presence in more than 100 Nollywood productions, often portraying authoritative roles. Notable credits include films such as Oloibiri, Dry, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Adesuwa, Heroes & Zeros, My Kingdom, Covert Operation, and One Fine Day.
He co-founded the Lufodo Group with his wife Joke Silva, which encompasses film production, distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. In 2011, then-President Goodluck Jonathan awarded him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the industry.
He also received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.
In later years, Jacobs largely withdrew from public acting. In 2021, Joke Silva publicly disclosed that he had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative brain condition. False reports of his death circulated multiple times in previous years, including in 2021, 2022, and June 2024; each time, the family promptly debunked them, with his son sharing video evidence on one occasion.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their sons, and grandchildren. The family has asked the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of one of Nigeria’s most respected screen legends.
The entertainment industry and fans across Nigeria and beyond have begun paying tributes to the actor whose career spanned more than five decades on stage and screen.
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