Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs.
The celebrated actor died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, according to his family.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in a post on Instagram, describing the deceased as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
In the statement, the family expressed gratitude to God for Jacobs’ life while announcing his passing.
“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.
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.”
The family also urged bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn the loss.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career that spanned theatre, television and film, becoming one of the most recognisable names in Nigerian entertainment.
His passion for acting developed from an early age and later took him to the United Kingdom, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Jacobs subsequently built professional experience through stage performances and appearances in British television productions and international films.
He later returned to Nigeria, where he became a prominent figure in the country’s expanding film industry.
Throughout his career, Jacobs appeared in numerous Nigerian productions and became respected for his versatility and ability to portray authoritative and complex characters.
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His delivery, presence and command of dialogue made him a familiar face across generations of Nigerian film audiences.
His contribution to the entertainment industry also went beyond acting.
Jacobs worked alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, through the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy reflected the couple’s commitment to developing young talents and contributing to the growth of theatre and film in Nigeria.
With his death, the Nigerian entertainment industry loses one of its longstanding figures, whose career left a mark across theatre, television and cinema.