By Sola Ojewusi
September 16, 2026
Nigeria’s theatre and film industry has been plunged into mourning following the death of veteran international actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, bringing to an end a remarkable acting career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film. His death was announced by his family through a statement shared on social media by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
The family described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo”, announcing his dates of birth and death as 11 July 1942 – 16 September 2026. It also appealed to bloggers and social-media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn their patriarch.
An extraordinary career
Born in Kano on July 11, 1942, to parents of Egba Alake origin in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olu Jacobs developed an early passion for drama and the performing arts. He subsequently travelled to Britain, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London.
His professional career took him through the British stage and television before his eventual return to Nigeria. During his years in Britain, he appeared in a number of television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also worked in theatre and appeared in international productions.
His return to Nigeria marked the beginning of an even more influential chapter in his career. Jacobs became one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian theatre, television and the emerging Nigerian film industry.
With his imposing presence, deep voice, commanding delivery and ability to inhabit vastly different characters, he became particularly associated with roles as traditional rulers, elders, aristocrats, political figures and men of authority.
He appeared in more than 100 films, while simultaneously maintaining a strong connection with theatre. His body of work helped bridge Nigeria’s traditional stage culture with the rapidly developing home-video and Nollywood industries.
The Lion of Lufodo
Beyond his work before the camera, Jacobs and Joke Silva became important figures in Nigeria’s performing-arts establishment.
Together, they were associated with Lufodo Group, through which they pursued theatre, film production and training. Their work included the development of the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, reflecting their commitment to professionalising and nurturing Nigeria’s creative industry.
Their marriage also became one of the most celebrated partnerships in Nigerian entertainment, with the two actors frequently appearing together in theatrical and screen productions.
A decorated thespian
Olu Jacobs received numerous honours during his distinguished career. Among them was the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He was also honoured with a national award, Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), in 2011.
In 2021, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival, an honour that recognised his extraordinary contribution to African cinema and the performing arts.
His career consequently extended beyond entertainment into cultural history. For generations of Nigerians and Africans, Olu Jacobs represented the transition from the old tradition of professional theatre to contemporary African cinema.
Years away from the screen
In his later years, Jacobs largely withdrew from public acting as his health declined. Joke Silva had previously spoken publicly about his battle with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition.
His health also made him the subject of repeated false death reports over the years. On several occasions, his family and colleagues were forced to dismiss reports that he had died. Those earlier rumours made Wednesday’s announcement particularly poignant.
In July 2026, however, Silva celebrated her husband’s 84th birthday, describing him affectionately as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
An era ends
With his death, Nigeria loses one of the most accomplished actors of the generation that helped establish professional acting as a powerful force in the country’s cultural landscape.
Olu Jacobs was more than a Nollywood star. His career connected British television, Nigerian theatre, traditional African performance and modern Nigerian cinema, giving him a rare place in the history of African entertainment.
For millions who watched him on stage, television and the big screen, his distinctive voice, regal bearing and unforgettable performances became part of the cultural memory of several generations.
His death marks the passing of one of the great figures of Nigeria’s performing arts.
Olu Jacobs — actor, thespian, mentor, film executive and “Lion of Lufodo” — was 84.
