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

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The family described the veteran actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” while announcing his passing and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.

At a Glance

• Name: Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs
• Popularly known as: Olu Jacobs
• Age: 84
• Date of birth: July 11, 1942
• Date of death: September 16, 2026
• Known for: Theatre, television, film and film executive work
• National honour: Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
• Survived by: Wife, Joke Silva, and sons Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs

What Happened?

The announcement came from the actor’s family through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who shared the news on Instagram.

In the family’s tribute, Olu Jacobs was remembered as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The statement also used the title “The Lion of Lufodo” in honour of the veteran actor.

The family appealed for privacy as relatives mourn his death.

Olusoji wrote that the family was announcing the passing with gratitude to God for a life lived, while asking bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

The Family’s Tribute

The family statement identified Olu Jacobs as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, giving his dates as July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026.

The tribute described him in terms of his roles within the family and asked the public and media personalities to allow the family space to mourn.

The request for privacy was directed particularly at bloggers and social media influencers following the announcement of his death.

From Abeokuta To The Stage

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs was from Abeokuta, Ogun State, and spent part of his childhood in Kano.

His interest in acting developed while he was growing up, with drama and debate forming part of his early involvement in the performing arts.

That interest eventually took him to Britain, where he pursued professional acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

A Career Across Theatre, Television And Film

After completing his training, Jacobs worked with several theatre companies in Britain and appeared in stage productions, television programmes and international films.

His British television credits included appearances in The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and The Venturers.

He later returned to Nigeria, where he established himself across theatre, television and Nigerian film.

Jacobs appeared in more than 100 films and became particularly known for portraying authoritative characters, including kings and other traditional leaders.

His work in the industry extended beyond acting, as he was also involved in the development of Nigeria’s film industry.

National Honour

Olu Jacobs was also honoured with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

The honour formed part of the recognition associated with his career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The Family He Leaves Behind

Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and his two surviving sons, Olusoji Jacobs and Olugbenga Jacobs.

His son Olusoji was the family member who publicly announced his death on September 16, 2026.

A Life In The Performing Arts

From his early interest in drama and debate to professional training in Britain and a long career spanning theatre, television and film, Olu Jacobs built a career that crossed several stages of the performing arts.

His death marks the end of the life of an actor whose work extended from British productions to Nigerian theatre and film.

As his family mourns, its appeal for privacy remains part of the family’s announcement of his passing.