Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies At 84

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, according to an announcement made by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” Olusoji wrote in the post. He went on to appeal directly to the media, adding: “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television, and film that stretched over five decades. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, he began his career on British television before appearing in several international productions and eventually returning to Nigeria, where he became a defining figure in the country’s film industry, often remembered alongside Pete Edochie as one of the founding “godfathers” of Nollywood.

Over the course of his career, he starred in numerous Nigerian films and became widely recognised for his commanding, authoritative presence on screen.

His contributions earned him several industry honours, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.

Beyond acting, Jacobs was also a film executive who, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was deeply involved in the Lufodo Group and broader efforts to develop the performing arts industry in Nigeria, work that included training a new generation of Nigerian film practitioners through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

In line with the family’s request, further details regarding funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be shared by the family in due course.