Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, through a statement shared on social media. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, shared a throwback photograph of the celebrated Nollywood actor alongside the family’s announcement. Jacobs, whose career spanned theatre, television and film, was widely recognised as one of the most respected figures in Nigerian entertainment.
Family announces Olu Jacobs’ death
The family announced Jacobs’ passing in a statement remembering him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. They also referred to him as “The Lion of Lufodo”, a name associated with his long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s performing arts.
The family wrote, “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”.
They added, “The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/ 1942- 16/09/2026 We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”
About Olu Jacobs and the beginning of his career
Olu Jacobs developed an interest in acting at a young age and went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He began his professional career in Britain, working in theatre and appearing in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria. After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the most recognisable faces in the country’s entertainment industry. Over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, he appeared across theatre, television and film and became known for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and ability to portray a wide range of characters. Jacobs took on numerous roles throughout his career, including traditional leaders, family patriarchs, political figures and complex dramatic characters. His work helped establish him as one of the veteran performers associated with the development of contemporary Nollywood.
Olu Jacobs’ contribution to Nollywood
Jacobs received widespread recognition for his contribution to Nigerian cinema and the wider performing arts. Among his honours was the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Beyond acting, Jacobs also contributed to the development and training of performers. Together with his wife Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, further extending the couple’s involvement in Nigeria’s theatre and entertainment industry.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple became one of the best-known partnerships in Nigeria’s theatre and film community and worked together on several professional and arts-related initiatives.
