VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTOR OLU JACOBS DIES AT 84 — FAMILY CONFIRMS

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs. The legendary actor died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, according to an announcement from his family.

The heartbreaking announcement was shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The family referred to the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” while announcing that he lived from July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026.

The news comes after years in which reports of Olu Jacobs’ death repeatedly circulated online and were dismissed by his family. On previous occasions, his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and other members of the family had publicly confirmed that he was alive, making Wednesday’s announcement particularly emotional for many Nigerians who had followed his story over the years.

Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career that stretched across British theatre and television, international film and Nigerian cinema. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he appeared in several British productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable and respected faces of Nollywood.

Beyond his acting career, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, also contributed to the development of Nigeria’s performing arts through their work with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. His career earned him several honours, including a national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.

As tributes begin to pour in from across the entertainment industry and beyond, the Jacobs family has appealed to bloggers, social media influencers and the public to respect their privacy during this difficult period. For generations of Nigerian movie lovers, Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work that made him a defining figure in the country’s entertainment history.