Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died aged 84.

The news of his death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a joint Instagram post by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.

“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 Baiyewunmi Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026,” the statement read.

Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria, Jacobs developed an interest in acting before travelling to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

He later appeared in several British television productions and international films, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, before returning to Nigeria and becoming one of the leading figures in the emerging Nollywood industry.

Jacobs went on to appear in more than 100 films, becoming known for portraying fathers, traditional rulers, politicians and other authoritative figures.

His notable Nollywood credits include Oloibiri, Dry, Adesuwa and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel.

His contribution to acting earned him numerous honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013.

In 2011, he was conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

For several years before his death, Jacobs lived with dementia with Lewy bodies, a progressive neurological condition. Silva had publicly spoken about his diagnosis and the challenges it presented to their family, with his health struggles leading him to largely withdraw from public appearances and acting.

Jacobs and Silva, who married in 1989, also built a legacy beyond acting through the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which support Nigeria’s creative industry.

His death marks the passing of one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, whose career spanned more than five decades across Nigerian, British and international productions.