Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84
The legendary actor passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” His family also urged bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn their loss.
Jacobs leaves behind a remarkable career that stretched across Nigerian theatre, British television, international cinema and Nollywood. He was one of the actors whose work helped establish the reputation of Nigerian performers both at home and internationally. The actor, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Although he has largely stayed away from the spotlight in recent years, his decades-long career and contribution to African entertainment continue to generate interest. Here are five interesting facts you may not know about the veteran actor.
1. Olu Jacobs was not his real name
Many people knew him as Olu Jacobs, but his full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs.
He was born on July 11, 1942. Although his family was from Abeokuta in Ogun State, he grew up mainly in Kano.
While he was in school, Olu Jacobs was already interested in drama and debating. His love for acting grew after he watched a performance by the famous Nigerian theatre man Hubert Ogunde.
That experience helped push him towards becoming a professional actor.
2. He went to acting school in London
Before becoming a big name in Nollywood, Olu Jacobs travelled to the United Kingdom to study acting.
He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the well-known acting schools in Britain.
After his training, he started acting in British theatre and television.
He appeared in TV shows such as The Goodies, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
He also acted in international movies, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
This means Olu Jacobs had already built an international acting career before becoming a major Nollywood star.
3. He was famous before Nollywood became huge
Most Nigerians know Olu Jacobs because of his many Nollywood movies.
However, he was already an experienced actor before Nollywood became as popular as it is today.
After returning to Nigeria, he continued acting in television, theatre and movies.
One of his early Nigerian TV roles was Inspector Best Idafa in the NTA series The Third Eye.
He later appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films.
He was especially popular for playing characters such as fathers, kings, chiefs, wealthy men and powerful political figures.
His deep voice and serious way of acting also became part of what made him stand out.
4. He was married to actress Joke Silva
Olu Jacobs was married to another respected Nigerian actress, Joke Silva.
The two were one of the most famous couples in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
But their relationship was not only about marriage and acting. Together, they were also involved in the Lufodo Group, which worked in areas such as film production and entertainment.
They were also involved with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which helps train people interested in acting and other areas of the performing arts.
Joke Silva remained close to Olu Jacobs during his later years.
In July 2026, she celebrated his 84th birthday and called him “Sir J, The Lion of Lufodo.”
Sadly, that was only about two months before his death.
5. There had been many false reports that he had died
Interestingly, Olu Jacobs had been the subject of several death rumours before his actual death.
Over the years, social media users repeatedly shared reports claiming that the actor had died.
Some of these rumours happened in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024.
His family and colleagues denied those reports and confirmed that he was still alive.
But this time, the news has been confirmed by his family.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death on September 16, 2026.
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
A Look Back at His Legacy
Olu Jacobs had a career that lasted for several decades.
He acted in theatre, television and movies in Nigeria and abroad. He was also part of the generation of Nigerian actors who helped make the country’s film industry more recognised around the world.
During his lifetime, he received several awards and honours for his contribution to acting.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He was also given the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
For many Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was more than just an actor. He was a familiar face who appeared in movies watched by several generations.
His voice, presence and memorable characters made him one of the most respected names in Nigerian entertainment.
At 84, Olu Jacobs has taken his final bow, leaving behind a career and legacy that will be remembered for generations.