Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The celebrated thespian passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to an announcement jointly made by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram.
In the statement, the family described the actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while reflecting on a life they said was marked by purpose and remarkable achievements.
The family also paid tribute to Jacobs by referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and disclosed his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942, and September 16, 2026.
The statement read in part that the family was announcing his death “with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought.”
His family further appealed to bloggers, social media influencers and others to give them privacy and allow them to mourn away from public attention.
Jacobs was regarded as one of the influential figures who helped shape modern Nigerian theatre, television and cinema. His career stretched for more than five decades, during which he worked extensively in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Over the years, he built a reputation for his distinctive voice, commanding performances and ability to portray authoritative and complex characters. His contribution to the entertainment industry earned him a place among Nigeria’s most recognisable veteran actors.
He appeared in a wide range of stage, television and film productions during his long career. Among the projects associated with his name are The Dogs of War, Vigilante, Omeruah’s Advice, Blood Diamond and Dry.
Beyond acting, Jacobs played an important role in developing younger talents within the Nigerian performing arts community.
Together with Joke Silva, he established the Lufodo Group and later the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Through these institutions, the couple contributed to the training and development of aspiring performers and helped create opportunities for emerging talents in the industry.
Jacobs’ influence was also recognised by the Nigerian government in 2007 when he was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), one of the country’s national honours, in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
His career remained a reference point for generations of Nigerian actors, particularly because of his extensive experience across theatre, television and film.
His death marks the loss of one of the country’s most enduring performing arts figures, whose work spanned several decades and reached audiences both within Nigeria and internationally.
As of the time of filing this report, the family had not released details of the funeral arrangements.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.
