Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked the public to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
Olu Jacobs was born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942.
He built a career that covered theatre, television and film. His work also took him outside Nigeria before he became one of the most recognised faces in Nollywood.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England.
He began his acting career in Britain and appeared in several television productions and international films.
He later returned to Nigeria and became a major figure in the country's growing film industry.
A Major Name in Nollywood
Olu Jacobs appeared in more than 100 films during his long career.
His strong screen presence made him popular with Nigerian audiences. He also played a wide range of characters throughout his career.
His contribution went beyond acting.
Jacobs was also involved in film production and theatre. His work helped shape the professional side of Nigeria's entertainment industry.
His Awards and Recognition
Jacobs received several major awards during his career.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.
He also received a lifetime achievement award from the Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
In 2011, the Nigerian government honoured him with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, also known as MFR.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva.
The couple became one of the best-known couples in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
They worked together in theatre and film and also built a family together.
Their relationship remained a major part of Jacobs' public story throughout his career.
Family Announces His Death
Olusoji Jacobs announced his father's death on Wednesday.
In the family statement, the Jacobs family expressed gratitude for his life.
They also asked bloggers and social media users to respect the family's privacy.
The announcement came after years of public interest in the veteran actor.
Old Death Rumours Had Been Debunked
Olu Jacobs had been the subject of false death reports several times before his actual death.
In 2024, for example, his family rejected another report that he had died.
His son had also previously shared a video showing the actor alive and well.
The latest announcement is different because it came directly from his family.
Nollywood Loses a Veteran
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a long record of work in Nigerian and international entertainment.
For generations of Nigerian viewers, his face and voice became familiar through films, television and theatre.
His career also connected the Nigerian film industry with the wider world.
His death marks the end of the life of one of the country's most recognised veteran actors.
Tributes are expected to continue as colleagues, fans and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry remember his contribution to the arts.