Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs dies in Nigeria
Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, also known as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, has died in Nigeria. He was 84. The actor’s wife, actress Joke Silva, and their son announced his death on September 16, 2026. In a statement, the family called him the “Lion of Lufodo” and asked that the family’s privacy be respected during the mourning period.
According to MyJoyOnline, Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano. His career in theatre, television and film spanned more than five decades.
Career in the United Kingdom and Nigeria
The actor received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, RADA. At the beginning of his career, he worked in the United Kingdom, including appearing in the television projects The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals, as well as performing in theatre productions.
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Jacobs also appeared in the international films Ashanti (1979), The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Pirates (1986). After returning to Nigeria, he became one of the actors associated with the emergence of Nollywood and appeared in more than 120 Nigerian films.
Awards and family
Among the actor’s notable works are Oloibiri, Dry, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Adesuwa and Heroes & Zeros. In 2007, Jacobs received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film Dancing Heart.
In 2016, Jacobs and Joke Silva jointly received the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to African cinema. The couple also co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes film production and distribution divisions, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. In 2011, the actor received the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
