Nigerian Actor Olu Jacobs Has Died at 84

Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's best known actors, has died at age 84.

His wife, actress Joke Silva, and his son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in an Instagram post. Silva asked for privacy as the family mourns. BBC Channels TV

His full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs. He was born on 11 July 1942. He studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a famous drama school. He then acted for more than 50 years in plays, TV shows and films. He appeared in British TV shows and films made for other countries. His well-known films include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day. BBC

He was described as a veteran Nigerian actor and film executive. He was regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood, which is Nigeria's large film industry, like Hollywood for Nigeria. He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2011, he received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his work in Nigerian film. With Silva, he started the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, a film company linked to an acting school.

In recent years, Jacobs stayed out of public view because of ill-health. That absence had fueled speculation. His family had repeatedly said false reports of his death were not true. Premium Times In August 2022, false rumours spread. Silva said they were not true and warned of legal action against those spreading them. In June 2024, writer Betty Irabor said he was well and alive, while actress Kate Henshaw criticised people sharing the rumours. Jacobs was among Nigerian stars, with Rema and Pete Edochie, who faced false death reports while alive.

After the September 16 announcement, many paid tribute. Atiku, Keyamo and other celebrities mourned Jacobs. Punch Silva called her husband "The Lion of Lufodo" and said his life was "well lived and fought".

The broader context here is what lasts after a long acting life. Jacobs worked in London theatre training, British TV, international film and Nollywood when Nigerian film was growing more professional and building schools. In my view, starting both a company and a school shows a wish to teach skills to the next group, not only to be known for roles. For an industry often talked about for making many films, that choice points to where he placed lasting value.