Legendary Actor Olu Jacobs Dies Aged 84

Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84.

The death of the highly respected actor was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Confirming the passing of the Nollywood icon, Olusoji described his father as a man who lived a fulfilled life and fought courageously.

“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,” he wrote.

The family also appealed to members of the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to allow them the privacy needed to mourn the veteran actor.

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he added.

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs in 1942, Olu Jacobs established himself as one of the most respected figures in Nigerian film, television and theatre, with a career spanning several decades.

Related: Olu Jacobs Is Suffering From Dementia- Wife, Joke Silva

Before becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and built an extensive career in Britain, working across theatre, television and film.

His body of work included appearances in international productions before he returned to Nigeria and became a major figure in the development of the country’s film industry.

Over the course of his career, Jacobs appeared in hundreds of Nigerian productions and received several honours for his contributions to acting, including major lifetime achievement recognitions.

He was also honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.

Alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs was closely associated with the Lufodo Group and its efforts to promote theatre, film production and performing arts education in Nigeria.

His death marks the passing of one of the most prominent figures of his generation in Nigerian entertainment, leaving behind decades of work across stage and screen.