Olu Jacobs, Veteran Nollywood Actor, Dies At 84

By Akinwale Kasali

After a prolonged battle with ill-health, veteran Nollywood Actor, Olu Jacobs, has passed on.

Announcing the death of the legendary actor his Wife, Joke Silva, took to her Instagram handle on Social Media. She said the very accomplished

actor passed on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026.

Sharing the picture of her late husband, she 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 Baiyewun Jacobs, MFR,

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time”, she wrote.

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, Jacobs began his career in British television and later featured in several international productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s film industry.

He went on to star in numerous Nigerian films and became widely recognised for his commanding performances, earning several industry honours, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.

Jacobs was also a film executive and, alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was involved in the Lufodo Group and the development of performing arts in Nigeria.