Olu Jacobs Dies at 84: Remembering the Nollywood Icon Who Shaped Generations of Nigerians
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, bringing to an end a career that stretched across theatre, television and film for more than five decades.
His death was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, shared the announcement, while the family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs developed an interest in acting while growing up in Kano. His encounter with the work of Nigerian theatre pioneer Hubert Ogunde helped strengthen his decision to pursue a career in the performing arts.
He later travelled to the United Kingdom and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His early professional career included British television productions, theatre performances and appearances in international films before he returned to Nigeria.
Olu Jacobs and the growth of Nollywood
Jacobs became one of the recognisable faces of Nigeria's emerging film industry, appearing in more than 100 Nigerian productions and becoming particularly known for authoritative roles, including traditional rulers, chiefs, fathers and other influential characters.
His contribution extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group, a company involved in film and performing arts, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
His career was also recognised through several major honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received an Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and was conferred with Nigeria's national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
His impact on Nigerians
For many Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was more than a familiar face on television.
His performances became part of the entertainment experience of generations who watched Nigerian films during the rapid growth of home video and Nollywood. His commanding voice, mannerisms and ability to portray authority figures made many of his characters memorable long after individual movies ended.
His career also represented a bridge between Nigeria's traditional theatre culture and the modern Nigerian film industry. By establishing himself professionally both abroad and in Nigeria, Jacobs demonstrated that Nigerian actors could build careers across different stages of the international entertainment industry.
His influence was also felt through his work with younger performers and through the professional standards associated with his career. President Bola Tinubu, in a tribute following his death, described Jacobs as a major figure in Nigeria's creative industry and said he had inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
A career that outlived the characters he played
Jacobs largely withdrew from public life in his later years. His wife had previously spoken publicly about his health struggles, and earlier reports of his death were repeatedly denied by his family. In 2024, his son specifically confirmed that the actor was alive after another death rumour circulated online.
This time, however, the announcement came directly from his family.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren, as well as a body of work that remains part of Nigeria's popular culture.
For audiences who grew up watching Nollywood, his death is not simply the departure of a veteran performer. It marks the passing of one of the actors whose career developed alongside the Nigerian film industry itself.
The screen may no longer feature his presence, but the characters, performances and professional legacy he left behind will continue to form part of the story of Nigerian entertainment.
Olu Jacobs was 84.