Olu Jacobs, Veteran Nollywood Actor, Dies at 84
Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's best known actors, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post. Silva asked for privacy for the family while mourning. BBC Channels TV
His full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs. He was born on 11 July 1942. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a leading drama school, then built a career of more than five decades across theatre, television and film. That career included British television productions and international films. His notable films include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day. BBC
He was described as a veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, and was regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood, Nigeria's film industry. He received the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for contribution to the Nigerian film industry. Together with Silva, he jointly established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, a production company paired with a training school. Think of it as studio and classroom under one roof.
In recent years, Jacobs had largely stayed away from the public spotlight due to ill-health. That absence had previously fueled speculation. His family had repeatedly debunked false reports of his death in the years before his death was announced. Premium Times In August 2022, false death rumours circulated. Silva debunked those rumours at the time and threatened legal action against those spreading them. In June 2024, Nigerian columnist Betty Irabor debunked a further round of rumours, stating he was well and alive, while actress Kate Henshaw criticised Nigerians sharing rumours of his death. Jacobs was among Nigerian celebrities, alongside Rema and Pete Edochie, who had previously been subjects of false death reports while still alive.
Tributes followed the September 16 announcement. Atiku, Keyamo and other celebrities mourned Jacobs. Punch Silva described her husband as "The Lion of Lufodo" and said his life was "well lived and fought".
The broader context here is what endures after a long performing life. Jacobs worked across stage training in London, British television, international film and Nollywood during a period when Nigerian screen work was professionalizing and building its own training structures. In my view, the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts point to that second task, the attempt to formalize craft and pass it on, rather than to rest on screen credits alone. For an industry often discussed through output volume and star visibility, that pairing of company and school suggests where his circle placed longer-term value.
