Veteran Nollywood actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram. He described his father as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the actor, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Jacobs contributed significantly to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors through his talent and discipline.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts,” Tinubu said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute, describing Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
Atiku said Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians and noted that he carried the Nigerian name with distinction long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career in British television and international films. He later returned to Nigeria where he became one of the defining figures of Nollywood, known for portraying authoritative roles like traditional rulers and father figures.
He co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts company, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989.
His contributions earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007 and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He had withdrawn from public life after his wife disclosed in 2021 that he was battling dementia with Lewy bodies. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Tributes have also poured in from celebrities including Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and Festus Keyamo.
The family is yet to announce funeral arrangements.
