Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a statement, the family described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude to God for what it called a life well lived.
“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,” the statement read.
The family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, MFR, giving his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942, and September 16, 2026.
It also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the period of mourning.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film.
Known for his distinctive voice and commanding screen presence, Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian and international productions and became one of the most recognisable figures in Nollywood.
Beyond acting, he was also a film executive and contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he became one of the Nigerian entertainment industry’s most prominent couples.
In recent years, concerns about his health had repeatedly sparked false reports of his death, which his family dismissed at the time.
His death brings to a close a remarkable career that spanned generations and left a lasting mark on Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.
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