Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
His death was announced in a joint statement by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji.
The family described Jacobs as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle who lived “a life well lived and fought”, while asking the public and media to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
Jacobs was one of the familiar faces of Nigerian entertainment, building a career that began on the theatre stage before taking him into British television and eventually making him one of the most recognisable actors in Nollywood.
Born in 1942
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
His career in the performing arts lasted for more than 50 years, during which he established himself across theatre, television and film.
He became particularly known for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
He started his career in theatre
Jacobs began his acting career on stage in the 1960s before moving into television and other areas of the performing arts.
His early theatre experience provided the foundation for a career that would later take him outside Nigeria.
During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked in British television and appeared in several productions before eventually returning to Nigeria.
His experience abroad later became part of the foundation for his long and successful career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
He trained at RADA
Jacobs studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, RADA, in London, one of the major institutions for drama training in the United Kingdom.
His formal training contributed to his development as an actor and helped prepare him for work across stage, television and film.
During his time working in British television, he appeared in productions including The Professionals, The Bill and Dempsey and Makepeace.
His work in British productions gave him international exposure before he eventually returned to Nigeria.
Rise in Nollywood
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s developing film industry, particularly from the 1990s.
He appeared in more than 200 films throughout his career, becoming one of the most recognisable veteran actors in Nollywood.
Among the productions associated with his career are Vigilante, Blood Diamond, Omeruah’s Advice, The Dogs of War, Dry and Rattlesnake.
His performances across different genres helped establish him as one of the leading actors of his generation.
Known as the ‘Lion of Lufodo’
Jacobs was associated with the nickname “Lion of Lufodo”, a reference linked to the Lufodo Group, the media and production company he co-founded with his wife, Joke Silva.
The Lufodo Group became part of the couple’s contribution to theatre, film and the wider performing arts industry.
Through their work, the couple were involved not only in acting but also in the development and training of professionals within the entertainment sector.
Marriage to Joke Silva
Jacobs married fellow actress Joke Silva in 1989.
Their marriage became one of the notable partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with both figures maintaining successful careers in acting and other areas of the performing arts.
Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy provided training for actors and other professionals seeking to develop careers in the performing arts.
A familiar face in authority roles
One of the features that distinguished Jacobs throughout his acting career was his ability to portray authority figures.
His deep voice and commanding presence made him particularly recognisable in roles involving traditional rulers, chiefs, senior advocates, military generals and other influential characters.
These performances helped create a distinctive identity for Jacobs on screen and made him a familiar presence to generations of Nigerian film audiences.
National recognition
Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian arts and culture was also recognised by the Federal Government.
In 2007, he was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, one of Nigeria’s national honours.
The honour reflected his contribution to the country’s creative and cultural sector over the course of his long career.
Contribution beyond acting
Jacobs’ contribution to the entertainment industry extended beyond his performances on stage and screen.
He was involved in efforts aimed at improving welfare, structure and intellectual property protection within Nollywood.
Through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, he and Joke Silva also contributed to the training and development of actors and other performing arts professionals.
His career therefore covered several aspects of the industry, from acting and production to training and advocacy for the development of the performing arts.
Survived by his family
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren.
His family announced his death while paying tribute to his life and legacy as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
In their statement, they asked the public and media to “respect our family’s privacy at this time”.
With his death at 84, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has lost a veteran whose career stretched across generations and whose work covered theatre, British television and Nollywood.
Jacobs leaves behind a legacy built over more than five decades in the performing arts, as well as a body of work that established him as one of the most familiar and influential faces of Nigerian cinema.
