The Many Lives of Olu Jacobs: From Kano to Nollywood Royalty

Before legendary actor Olu Jacobs became a commanding Nollywood icon, he was a young boy in Kano who simply found himself fascinated by the stage.

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, to parents of Egba-Alake heritage from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs spent his early years in Kano. It was there, through school drama and debating activities, that his interest in performance began to take shape.

A performance by legendary theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde at the Colonial Hotel in Kano, ignited a spark in him for acting, giving him a glimpse of what a career in acting could look like.

Olu Jacobs, in 1964, made the bold decision to travel to Britain and enrol at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. There he began a professional journey that would see him move between theatre, television and film across two continents. Jacobs went on to perform on British stages and appeared in television productions including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also featured in international films such as The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.

But eventually, he returned home. Back in Nigeria, Jacobs quickly became part of a generation of performers who helped shape the country’s developing film and television industry. His deep voice, measured delivery and imposing presence soon became unmistakable. He was frequently cast as kings, chiefs, fathers, traditional rulers and men of authority, but his career extended well beyond those familiar roles. According to the Lufodo Group, his body of work spanned about five decades and more than 300 Nigerian films.

His acting career earned him several recognitions and awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 and an Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013.

Olu Jacobs passed away on the 16th of September 2026, at the age of 84, after a career spanning more than five decades. His family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” in announcing his death.