Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with the news of his passing announced by his family through his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
In a statement, the family described the legendary actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn their loss.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.
He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s emerging film industry and went on to feature in hundreds of Nigerian productions.
Beyond his work in front of the camera, Jacobs played a role in developing Nigeria’s creative industry. He and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has helped train a new generation of actors and filmmakers.
His contribution to the arts earned him several major honours. Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
News of his death has triggered tributes from across Nigeria’s political and entertainment circles.
President Bola Tinubu described Jacobs as “a giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” saying his death was a loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and lovers of the performing arts around the world. The President also praised his contribution to the professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Jacobs as an institution and cultural icon, while Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, called him “a national institution” and one of the pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
For generations of Nigerians, Jacobs was recognised for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and ability to bring depth to the characters he portrayed.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.
The Lion of Lufodo may have left the stage, but his body of work and influence on Nigerian entertainment will remain part of the country’s cultural history.
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