Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The report indicates that veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
It further notes that jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, his family announced. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son shared the news, describing him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
The actor, who turned 84 on July 11, leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Here are 10 things to know about the late Nollywood icon.
Olu Jacobs was born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942. He was born in Kano and grew up to become one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors. His family announcement confirmed that he died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.
Jacobs received formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the UK’s prominent drama schools.
His professional career began long before the emergence of Nollywood as it is known today, with his early work taking place in Britain.
Before becoming a household name in Nigeria, Jacobs featured in several British television productions during the 1970s.
His credits included The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also appeared in stage productions in Britain.
Jacobs’ acting career extended beyond Nigeria and British television.
He appeared in international productions including Ashanti (1979), The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Pirates (1986).
After building a career in Britain, Jacobs returned to Nigeria and became one of the actors associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry.
The Open University notes that he became one of the pioneers of Nollywood and acted in more than 120 films, frequently portraying fathers, elders, traditional rulers and political figures.
Over the course of his career, Jacobs appeared in more than 120 Nigerian films.
