By Damilola Adeyera
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, the acclaimed Nollywood actor and film executive widely known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the passing in an Instagram post, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family statement read, in part: “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 Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026. We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”
Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to parents of Egba origin, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He began his career in British theatre and television in the 1970s, appearing in series such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, and The Tomorrow People, as well as international films.
He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the defining figures of Nollywood, starring in more than 100 films. Known for his commanding presence, deep baritone voice, and authoritative roles—often as kings, chiefs, or senior figures—he helped shape the industry’s early development. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva (whom he married in 1989), he co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes film production and distribution arms, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
- Jacobs received numerous honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011, and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013. In later years he lived with Lewy body dementia, a condition his wife publicly discussed. False reports of his death had circulated several times in previous years and were repeatedly debunked by the family.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children, and grandchildren. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning.