Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

In a family statement, Jacobs was described as “The Lion of Lufodo”, while the family appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn the veteran actor. 

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film in Britain and Nigeria.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and began his professional career in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s film industry. 

Jacobs featured in more than 100 Nigerian films and also appeared in international productions, including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.

He received several honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013, and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he founded the Lufodo Group and remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.

His death marks the end of a career that spanned British theatre and television, international cinema and the growth of Nollywood.