Nigeria’s entertainment industry has lost one of its most recognisable veterans, Olu Jacobs, who has died at the age of 84.
The actor, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026.
His family announced the news through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a social media post.
In the announcement, the family expressed gratitude for the life Jacobs lived and remembered him as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle. They also gave him the affectionate title “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The family requested privacy during the mourning period, specifically appealing to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their wishes.
From Britain to Nigerian Cinema
Olu Jacobs’ journey in the performing arts began long before the rise of modern Nollywood.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and developed professional experience through theatre and British television.
His international career included appearances in stage productions, television programmes and films. He later returned to Nigeria, where his experience and talent helped establish him as one of the country’s leading actors.
Over the years, Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian productions and became particularly known for authoritative and memorable characters.
His career covered theatre, television and film, giving him a unique place in Nigeria’s entertainment history.
More Than an Actor
Jacobs’ contribution was not limited to acting.
Together with his wife, Joke Silva, he was involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The Lufodo Group identifies Jacobs as a co-founder and notes that his professional work extended across stage, film and radio for about 50 years.
His contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry earned him several recognitions. Among them was the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, while the Federal Government also conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Remembering Olu Jacobs
For many Nigerians, the name Olu Jacobs is associated with an era of television, theatre and cinema that helped shape the country’s modern entertainment industry.
His long career allowed him to work across generations of performers and audiences.
With his passing, colleagues, fans and the wider entertainment community are remembering an actor whose work extended well beyond the screen.
Olu Jacobs died at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026.
