Veteran Nollywood Icon Olu Jacobs Dies At 84 – Family Confirms
BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Legend Olu Jacobs Dies At 84
The Nigerian movie industry has lost one of its biggest pillars. Legendary actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The sad news was confirmed by his family early Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son Olusoji Jacobs made a joint announcement on Instagram.
In their statement, 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. The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026”
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
From British TV To Nollywood Royalty
Olu Jacobs was more than just an actor, he was a bridge between two worlds. Born on July 11, 1942 in Kano and originally from Egba Alake, he spent his early childhood in Kano where he attended Holy Trinity School and joined the debating and drama society.
His passion for acting started after watching one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert parties at Colonial Hotel in Kano. That experience pushed him to seek a visa to England to study acting professionally.
He trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, and worked with several repertoire theatres in Britain. In the 1970s, he became a familiar face on British television, appearing in series like The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels and The Professionals.
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He also featured in international films such as Ashanti (1979) as Commissioner Batak, The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) as Colonel Nsogbu, and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986) as Boomako.
When he returned to Nigeria in the 1980s, he became a defining figure of Nollywood. With his deep baritone voice and commanding presence, he effortlessly played kings, chiefs, fathers and elders, appearing in over 300 movies.
His Battle With Dementia With Lewy Body
For many years, Olu Jacobs stayed away from the screen, leading to several death rumours in 2021 and 2024 which his family debunked.
The truth about his health was first revealed by his wife Joke Silva in 2021 during an interview with Chude Jideonwo. She disclosed that her husband had been battling Dementia with Lewy Body for years.
She explained: “He is dealing with issues and has been dealing with it for a couple of years. It is Dementia with Lewy Body, a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it is almost like a Parkinson’s type of disease, it affects the brain and affects the person.”
She added that she misses the old Olu Jacobs deeply: “I have gone through some times and situations recently that I wish the old you was here so I wouldn’t battle these times on my own but we are grateful for the moments of clarity… I miss the times we worked together!”
According to the UK NHS, Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the most common types of dementia. It develops slowly, worsens over several years and is rare in people under 65.
Legacy And Awards
Olu Jacobs leaves behind an unmatched legacy:
– Won Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007
– Received Industry Merit Award at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2013
– Received MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016
– Honoured as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011
Together with Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989, he co-founded Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) in Lagos, which has trained and mentored a new generation of Nigerian actors.
He is survived by his wife Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.
The Lion of Lufodo has taken his final bow. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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