“The Lion of Lufodo” 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 family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and also associated with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before beginning a professional career that included British theatre and television productions.
Before becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable figures, Jacobs appeared in several British television productions and international films. His film credits included The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
He later became a major figure in Nigeria’s film industry, appearing in hundreds of productions and becoming particularly recognised for roles as traditional rulers, chiefs, patriarchs and other authoritative characters. His distinctive voice and commanding screen presence became defining features of his performances.
Beyond acting, Jacobs played a role in developing Nigeria’s performing-arts industry. Together with Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their work into production, distribution and professional training. Lufodo describes his body of work as spanning stage, film and radio over about five decades.
Jacobs received several major honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He was also recognised with major industry and lifetime achievement honours and was conferred with Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
His death has prompted tributes from political figures, actors and other members of Nigeria’s creative industry. President Bola Tinubu described Jacobs as a significant contributor to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described him as a cultural icon and an institution.
Olu Jacobs, who celebrated his 84th birthday in July, leaves behind his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of publication.