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Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was confirmed by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his passing, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

The family said Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026. They also appealed to bloggers and social media users to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn his passing.

Jacobs had battled Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition, for several years. His wife, Joke Silva, publicly disclosed his diagnosis in November 2021, speaking about the challenges of caring for him and adjusting to his condition.

However, the family has not stated that Lewy body dementia was the cause of his death, and no official cause of death has been announced as of the time of this report.

Jacobs had a career spanning several decades across theatre, British television, international cinema and Nollywood. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, he went on to become one of Nigeria’s most recognised and respected actors, appearing in more than 100 film productions.

Beyond acting, he and Joke Silva were associated with the Lufodo Group and contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s performing arts industry. He was also honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

His death brings to an end the life and career of one of the veteran figures whose work helped shape Nigeria’s modern film and theatre industry.

Olu Jacobs was 84.