Olu Jacobs, Nollywood Icon and ‘Lion of Lufodo,’ Dies at 84

Veteran Nigerian actor, film executive and theatre pioneer Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His family announced the news on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

In a statement shared 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. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR). 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026.”

The family appealed to the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

Born on July 11, 1942, to Egba Alake parents, Jacobs spent part of his early childhood in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School and developed an interest in drama. Inspired by performances by the legendary Hubert Ogunde, he pursued acting against his father’s wishes, eventually training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

He built a substantial career in Britain during the 1970s, appearing in television series including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also took stage roles, among them President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s Night and Day. In the 1980s he featured in international films such as The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).

Upon returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the defining figures of the emerging Nollywood industry. He appeared in more than 100 films, bringing classical training, versatility and a commanding screen presence that influenced generations of actors. He was widely regarded, alongside figures such as Pete Edochie, as one of the “godfathers” of Nigerian cinema.

His accolades included the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989, Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group, encompassing film production, distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The couple’s partnership was frequently cited as one of Nollywood’s most enduring creative and personal collaborations. They have children, including Olusoji.

In recent years Jacobs lived with Lewy body dementia, a condition that kept him largely away from active filmmaking. False reports of his death circulated on several occasions, including in 2021 and 2024, which the family repeatedly debunked.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jacobs’ death comes just two months after he marked his 84th birthday in July, when his wife publicly celebrated him as “Sir J, The Lion of Lufodo.”

He leaves behind a legacy that bridges British stage and television traditions with the rise of modern Nigerian cinema, remembered for his depth of character, professional discipline and contribution to training younger performers. The Nigerian entertainment industry and audiences across Africa are expected to pay extensive tributes in the coming days.