By Segun Adebayo
Nollywood has lost one of its most celebrated veteran actors, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
The family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement released through social media, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The statement read in part: “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.”
According to the family, Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026.
Jacobs was a towering figure in Nigerian theatre, television and film, with a career spanning several decades. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.
He later became one of the most recognisable faces of Nollywood, featuring in more than 100 films and earning several major industry honours, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
His death comes after years of public concern over his health, with his wife, actress Joke Silva, previously speaking publicly about his health challenges
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