Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
The legendary actor died on September 16, 2026, with his family announcing his passing through a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. The family described him as their beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and affectionately remembered him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” They also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during their period of grief.
For an entire generation of Nigerians and lovers of African cinema, Olu Jacobs was much more than an actor. He was an institution, a teacher, a mentor and one of the towering figures whose talent, discipline and professionalism helped shape the Nigerian film and theatre industry.
My dear, iconic and legendary Uncle Olu.
You were truly a great gift to our film industry. You were an exceptional talent who inspired generations and played a remarkable role in building and shaping the industry we know today.
I feel deeply grateful and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside you, learn from you and experience your greatness firsthand. Your kindness, wisdom and remarkable legacy will forever remain with me and with everyone whose life you touched.
Your contribution to the arts went far beyond the characters you portrayed on screen. After training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Olu Jacobs built an impressive career across British theatre and television, international film and, eventually, Nigeria's rapidly developing film industry. He became particularly recognised for his commanding presence, distinctive voice and memorable portrayals of traditional rulers, patriarchs, chiefs and other authoritative figures.
His influence also extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and contributed to the development and training of younger performers through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. His career earned numerous honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
His death has already prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers across Nollywood. Actors including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Kate Henshaw, Segun Arinze, Ego Boyo and many others have remembered him not only for his extraordinary performances but also for the guidance and standards he offered to younger generations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also mourned the actor, describing him as a giant of Nigeria’s creative industry and acknowledging his contribution to the development and professionalisation of the nation’s entertainment sector.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work that will continue to speak across generations. His final bow may have come, but the characters he created, the performers he inspired and the institution he helped build will continue to tell his story.
You have left a huge void in our hearts, but we trust that God knows best.
Rest peacefully, Uncle Olu, until we meet again, never to part.
Adieu, Uncle Olu. 🙏🏽🤍🕊️
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