Veteran Nigerian Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84 After More Than Five Decades in Acting

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. The family described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period.

Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

According to the family announcement, Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, aged 84. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son shared the announcement on social media.

The family statement described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while reflecting on his life and career.

The cause and place of death had not been publicly disclosed in the initial reports.

Olu Jacobs’ Acting Career Spanned More Than Five Decades

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs developed an interest in acting while growing up in Kano. He later travelled to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

His professional career began in British theatre and television before he returned to Nigeria. His early international credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.

After returning to Nigeria in 1990, Jacobs became one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s developing film industry.

Olu Jacobs’ Contribution to Nollywood

Over the course of his career, Jacobs appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films, while also working as a film executive and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s professional entertainment industry.

He and Joke Silva also co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has been involved in film production, distribution and performing-arts training.

His career earned him several major honours, including 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 a Lifetime Achievement Award from AMAA in 2016.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to Nigerian film.

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, and the pair became one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples.

Their professional partnership extended beyond acting through their work with the Lufodo Group and its performing-arts initiatives.

Jacobs’ later years saw him largely withdraw from public life. Silva had previously spoken publicly about his health, but the family did not disclose a cause of death in its September 16 announcement.

Tributes Pour In

Following news of his death, tributes began coming from across Nigeria’s entertainment and political communities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Jacobs as a major figure in Nigeria’s creative industry and said his work helped shape the country’s cultural identity and inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a career that crossed theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood, spanning more than five decades.

His death marks the passing of one of the most recognisable veteran figures in Nigerian acting.