Nollywood has lost one of its most enduring figures, the actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on 16/09/2026 at the age of 84. The family announced the death through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, posting the news on Instagram. In a message the family called him "The Lion of Lufodo" and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family's privacy at this time.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his professional life on British stages. He worked with repertory theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became a leading presence in theatre, television and the film industry now known as Nollywood.
Across a career that spanned decades he collected many of the industry’s honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and was given the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. The federal government recognised him with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, conferred in 2011.
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. The family statement gave his full name and life dates as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942-16/09/2026, and the public appeal for privacy indicates the family does not wish immediate public intrusion as they mourn.
His passing removes a bridge figure who helped connect classical stage training and international work to Nigeria’s growing cinema industry. For now the next steps for the family and any public tributes will be announced by relatives in due course, as requested in their message to the public.
