BREAKING: Nollywood Mourns as Legendary Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nigerian 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 his family confirming the development.
His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his passing, describing the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career spanning theatre, television and film, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
He trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and began his professional acting career in Britain before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the country’s emerging film industry.
10 Things Nigerians Should Know About Olu Jacobs
- His full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and was raised partly in Kano. He later became one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors. - He trained at RADA in London
Jacobs studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of Britain’s renowned drama institutions. - His career began outside Nollywood
Before becoming a household name in Nigeria, Jacobs appeared in British theatre and television productions. - He featured in international productions
His acting career extended beyond Nigeria, with appearances in British television and international films. - He became one of Nollywood’s elder statesmen
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s film and television industry and appeared in numerous productions. - He was married to Joke Silva
Jacobs and fellow veteran actress Joke Silva were one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples. They also worked together professionally. - The couple founded the Lufodo Group
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva were involved in the development of the Lufodo Group and the training of performers through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. - He received Nigeria’s national honour
In 2011, Jacobs was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the Nigerian film industry. - His death follows years of false death rumours
Reports claiming that Olu Jacobs had died circulated several times in previous years. In 2024, for example, his family publicly dismissed another death rumour. - His death closes a remarkable chapter in Nigerian entertainment
With a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film, Jacobs leaves behind a major legacy in Nigerian performing arts. His family confirmed his death on September 16, 2026, at age 84.
The death of Olu Jacobs marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with colleagues, admirers and generations of movie lovers remembering an actor whose voice, presence and performances helped shape Nigerian cinema.