Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy.
“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.”
A career spanning decades
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before starting his acting career in Britain.
He worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria in the 1980s.
Jacobs later became one of the familiar faces of Nollywood, appearing in several Nigerian films and playing roles that included traditional rulers, fathers and other authority figures.
His career also covered theatre and television.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In 2016, he received the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jacobs was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple worked together in the entertainment industry and co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Their work through Lufodo also extended to training and developing talents in Nigeria’s performing arts industry.
Jacobs was known for films including My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day, among several other productions.
In recent years, the actor stayed away from the public spotlight due to ill health.
His family has now asked the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to allow them privacy as they mourn his death.
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