Pictures: Olu Jacobs
From The Nijasun Entertainment Desk
Veteran Nigerian actor and elder statesman, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Jacobs, whose career spanned more than five decades, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with a professional journey that took him from theatre in Britain to international television and cinema before becoming one of the defining figures of Nollywood.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano State, Jacobs was raised with family roots traced to the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
His decision to pursue acting professionally was strengthened after watching a performance by the legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner, Hubert Ogunde.
Jacobs later travelled to Britain, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His training opened the way for appearances in several British television productions, including The Goodies, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People.
He also established an international film career, featuring in productions such as The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985 and Roman Polanski’s Pirates in 1986.
On returning to Nigeria’s thriving film industry, Jacobs became a household name and one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood. His career covered hundreds of theatre, television and film productions.
He was particularly known for portraying kings, chiefs, traditional rulers and family patriarchs. His deep voice, commanding screen presence and theatrical training became distinctive features of his performances.
Jacobs received several honours during his career. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also received the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and was honoured by the Nigerian government with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Away from the screen, Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple also worked together professionally and founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
His career across British theatre and television, international cinema and Nollywood made him an important figure in Nigeria’s performing arts history.
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death has triggered tributes from Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond.
Channels Television reported that President Bola Tinubu and former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar were among those who mourned the veteran actor.
Tags: Olu Jacobs, Nollywood, Joke Silva, Entertainment, Nigerian Cinema
