Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed his death on Instagram on Wednesday.
In the statement, the late actor’s family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and urged bloggers and social media influencers to respect his privacy.
“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 families privacy at this time.”
Olu Jacobs Career
Jacobs was a seasoned Nigerian actor known for his work in film, television and theatre.
After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England, he began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertory theatres and appeared in British television shows and international films.
He later returned to Nigeria, where he rose to prominence in the country’s film industry and became a respected figure in Nollywood.
In 2007, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.
Backstory…
A major part of Olu Jacobs’ later years was his battle with dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, publicly disclosed in 2021. Silva said the illness had affected him for some time and changed his ability to carry out his usual activities, contributing to his withdrawal from the public spotlight.
Additionally, Jacobs largely stayed away from acting as his health declined, while Silva and the family kept details of his condition private. His illness also sparked repeated false reports of his death, including in 2024, which the family publicly dismissed.
