Seun Oni
JUST IN: Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a family tribute, Jacobs was described as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family gave his dates as July 11, 1942 to September 16, 2026, while appealing to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn his passing.
The man behind the legend
Olu Jacobs was far more than a familiar face on Nigerian television and film. He was a trained theatre practitioner whose remarkable career spanned stage, British television, international cinema and Nollywood.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and went on to appear in several British television productions and international films before establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.
His international credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also featured in films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
Back home, Jacobs became particularly recognisable for his commanding portrayals of kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, patriarchs and other figures of authority.
His distinctive voice, commanding presence and theatrical discipline became hallmarks of his performances and helped define an era of Nigerian screen acting.
More than an actor
Jacobs’ influence extended well beyond his performances.
Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he played a role in building institutions around theatre and film, including the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
He was also honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.
A career that crossed generations
For many Nigerians, the death of Olu Jacobs represents more than the passing of a celebrated actor.
It marks the departure of one of the performers who connected several generations of Nigerian entertainment, from the country’s theatre and early television traditions to the emergence and growth of Nollywood into a globally recognised film industry.
His career demonstrated the breadth of possibilities available to Nigerian performers, spanning theatre, television, international productions and local cinema.
Jacobs’ body of work also helped establish a standard of professional acting that influenced audiences and performers across generations.
A death that follows years of false reports
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of repeated false reports about Olu Jacobs’ death.
In June 2024, another death rumour circulated widely before his family and representatives confirmed that the actor was alive.
This time, however, the announcement has come from his immediate family and has been reported by multiple Nigerian news organisations.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work that spans generations, borders and mediums.
From the theatre stage to British television, international cinema and Nollywood, his career reflected the evolution of Nigerian acting and its growing place on the global stage.
Olu Jacobs was 84.
May his soul rest in peace.
Seun Oni is a UK-based entertainment journalist recognised for her polished voice and incisive cultural reporting. She covers film, television, music and celebrity culture with a confident blend of industry awareness and human-centred storytelling. Her work spotlights emerging talent, shifting creative landscapes and the narratives shaping modern entertainment, establishing her as a credible and compelling voice in the field.
