Nigeria’s entertainment industry has lost one of its most distinguished figures, veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, aged 84.
The death of the celebrated actor was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement posted on Instagram.
Olusoji, announcing the passing on behalf of the family, described his father as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to his remarkable life and enduring legacy.
“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,” he wrote.
The family also appealed to members of the media and the wider online community to allow them privacy during the period of mourning.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” Olusoji added.
Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, established himself as one of the most accomplished Nigerian actors of his generation, building a career that traversed British television and international cinema before he became a towering presence in Nollywood.
He received his formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in England, one of Britain’s foremost institutions for dramatic arts. Following his training, he worked with several repertoire theatres in Britain and appeared in a number of British television productions and international films.
His experience in British theatre and television gave him a strong foundation in classical acting and stagecraft, qualities that would later become hallmarks of his performances in Nigerian productions.
With the emergence and rapid expansion of Nollywood, Jacobs became one of the industry's defining actors. His imposing screen presence, distinctive voice and ability to inhabit a wide range of characters made him a household name among Nigerian film audiences.
He played kings, chiefs, businessmen, patriarchs, politicians and other influential characters, often bringing a theatrical authority to his roles. His performances helped establish the template for the powerful elder statesman and traditional ruler characters that became prominent in Nigerian home videos and films.
His contribution to the growth of the Nigerian film industry was so significant that he was described by Vanguard as one of the “godfathers of Nollywood”, alongside fellow veteran actor Pete Edochie.
Jacobs’ achievements were recognised with several major awards during his career.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, affirming his standing among the continent’s leading screen performers.
He was later honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Three years later, in 2016, he received the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to African cinema.
His contribution went beyond entertainment, with the Federal Government recognising him as an important figure in Nigeria’s cultural life. In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Jacobs also distinguished himself as a film executive, contributing to the industry beyond his appearances in front of the camera.
His career was notable for its longevity and breadth. From British theatre and television to Nigerian cinema, he remained part of the evolution of African storytelling on screen and became one of the actors whose names came to represent the professional era of Nollywood.
His death therefore represents the passing of a significant figure in Nigeria’s entertainment history, particularly for generations of viewers who encountered him through Nigerian films and television productions.
Jacobs was also part of one of Nigeria’s most prominent entertainment families through his marriage to veteran actress Joke Silva. Together, they became a highly regarded couple within the Nigerian theatre and film community.
Over the years, the pair were celebrated not only for their individual careers but also for their contribution to the professionalisation and visibility of acting in Nigeria.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Jacobs leaves behind a legacy shaped by theatre, television and film, as well as a collection of performances that established him as one of the enduring faces of Nigerian cinema.
He died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.
Leave a Reply