Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors and film executives. His career spanned more than five decades, taking him from British theatre and television to international films and the Nigerian film industry.
Here are key facts about his life, career, and legacy.
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria. Although he grew up in Kano, he had roots in the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He developed an interest in acting through school drama, debating activities, and church programmes. His passion for theatre was further strengthened after he watched a performance by renowned Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde.
Jacobs travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He subsequently worked with several repertoire theatres in Britain and appeared in a number of British television productions during the 1970s and 1980s.
Some of his British television credits included:
The Goodies
Till Death Us Do Part
Barlow at Large
The Tomorrow People
The Professionals
The Venturers
Angels
He also appeared in international films, including The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985 and Pirates in 1986.
After establishing himself in Britain, Jacobs became a major figure in Nigeria’s growing entertainment industry.
He starred in more than 120 Nigerian films and became particularly known for portraying kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, patriarchs and other authoritative characters.
His deep voice, commanding presence and theatrical training made him one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood.
Jacobs was often described as one of the “godfathers of Nollywood,” alongside other veteran actors whose careers helped shape the Nigerian film industry.
Throughout his career, Olu Jacobs received several major awards and recognitions.
His honours included:
2007: Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
2011: Conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
2013: Received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
2016: Received the Africa Movie Academy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
These honours recognised his contribution to acting, theatre and the wider African film industry.
Olu Jacobs married fellow veteran actress Joke Silva in 1989.
Their relationship developed into both a personal and professional partnership. The couple co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts organisation with interests in film production, distribution and the creative arts.
They were also associated with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the training and development of young people in the entertainment industry.
Jacobs spent much of his later years away from the public spotlight as his health declined.
In an earlier interview, Joke Silva disclosed that he was living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative condition that affected his health.
His health was also the subject of repeated false reports of his death before his family confirmed his passing on September 16, 2026.
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in an Instagram post and appealed to the public, bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
Beyond his roles on screen, Jacobs’ legacy lies in his contribution to theatre, television, film production and arts education.
His career helped connect Nigeria’s traditional theatre heritage with modern Nollywood and influenced generations of actors and filmmakers.
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