Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The death of the celebrated Nollywood icon was announced by members of his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed the development in separate social media posts.
Jacobs, who turned 84 in July, was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before featuring in British television productions and international films.
He later became a towering figure in Nollywood, appearing in numerous Nigerian films and contributing significantly to the growth and development of the country’s modern film industry.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Jacobs was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Jacobs and Silva were one of Nigeria’s best-known entertainment couples. Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests spanning theatre, film production and training.
His death comes after years of recurring false reports about his passing, which his family had repeatedly dismissed. In 2024, the family publicly debunked another death rumour and confirmed that the actor was alive.
The family has appealed for privacy as it mourns the veteran actor, whose decades-long career and influence left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
