BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

In a family statement shared on Instagram, Olusoji described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and said the family was grateful for his life. The family also appealed to bloggers and social-media influencers to respect their privacy at this time. 

Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and built a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and appeared in British television productions and international films before becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s film industry. 

He was also a major figure in the development of Nigeria’s performing-arts industry. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was involved with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Jacobs had largely withdrawn from public life in his later years. His health had previously been the subject of repeated false death reports, which his family had publicly dismissed, including in 2024. 

His death marks the passing of one of the most prominent veteran actors of Nigeria’s theatre, television and film generations.