LAGOS — The curtains have fallen on one of Nigeria’s greatest acting legends.
Veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His family announced his passing early this morning, September 16, 2026. In a statement posted on Instagram by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, the family said:
_”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.”_
The family has asked bloggers and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Olu Jacobs, husband to veteran actress Joke Silva, was a colossus of the Nigerian and British stage and screen. Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, his career spanned over five decades, from British TV classics like _The Goodies_ and _The Professionals_ to Nollywood blockbusters.
He was a recipient of the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor, and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and children.
