Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as it mourns his passing.
“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.
“Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)
“11/07/1942–16/09/2026.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the statement read.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film in both Britain and Nigeria.
Born to parents from Egba Alake in Ogun State, Jacobs spent his early childhood in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School. He was actively involved in the school’s debating and drama societies.
His interest in acting was reportedly strengthened after he attended one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert parties at the Colonial Hotel in Kano. Inspired by the experience, Jacobs subsequently travelled to England to pursue formal training in acting.
He trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In 1972, he made one of his early stage appearances as The Boy in A Taste of Honey at the newly opened Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
He subsequently featured in several British television programmes and series during the 1970s, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
Jacobs also appeared in international films before returning to Nigeria, where he established himself as one of the leading figures in the country’s burgeoning film industry.
Over the years, he became synonymous with Nigerian theatre, television and cinema, earning widespread recognition for his commanding performances and contribution to the development of Nollywood.
His achievements included the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts and national development, Jacobs was conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he had children.
His death marks the passing of one of the figures whose career bridged British theatre and television with Nigeria’s modern film industry.
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