LAGOS, Nigeria — Olu Jacobs, the classically trained performer whose commanding voice and stately presence made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, died on Wednesday. He was 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in a statement issued with the actor’s wife, Joke Silva. Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The family did not disclose the cause or place of his death.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought,” the family said, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo”.
The statement identified Jacobs as a husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, and asked bloggers and social media users to respect the family’s privacy while its members mourned.
View this post on Instagram
From British Theatre to Nigerian Cinema
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, the actor built a career that extended across theatre, British television, international cinema, and the Nigerian film industry.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began working professionally on stage.
He later appeared in British television productions during the 1970s and 1980s, including The Professionals, before taking roles in international films.
His early screen credits included The Dogs of War, the 1980 film directed by John Irvin.
His work abroad gave him experience in established theatre and television industries before he became one of the senior figures in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding film sector.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs appeared in numerous film and television productions.
His deep baritone, deliberate delivery, and formal training made him a frequent choice for roles as kings, traditional leaders, lawyers, senior officials, and military commanders.
His Nigerian film credits included Rattlesnake, Dry, and other productions made during Nollywood’s growth into one of the world’s most prolific film industries.
The ‘Lion of Lufodo’
Jacobs married Silva, an actor, director, and producer, in 1989.
The couple established the Lufodo Group, a production and media company, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy trained younger performers and other industry professionals, extending the couple’s influence beyond their individual work on stage and screen.
The company’s name gave rise to Jacobs’s description as the “Lion of Lufodo”, a title used by his family in announcing his death.
Jacobs and Silva became one of Nigerian entertainment’s best-known married couples, while maintaining separate professional identities.
Their work included acting, theatrical production, professional training, and advocacy for stronger structures within the film industry.
Awards and National Recognition
Jacobs received several awards during his career.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Dancing Heart.
He was presented with the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and received a lifetime achievement honour from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
In 2011, the Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for his contribution to film and the performing arts.
His career lasted for more than five decades, beginning in professional theatre and continuing through the growth of British television, international cinema, and Nollywood.
Jacobs is survived by Silva, their children, and grandchildren.
