The curtain has fallen on one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died today (Wednesday) at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
The family described the veteran actor, who was widely celebrated as the ‘Lion of Lufodo’, as a man who devoted his life to his family and the performing arts.
Jacobs’ death marks the end of a remarkable acting career that stretched across theatre, television and film, spanning more than five decades.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself on the British stage and television.
He appeared in several British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s emerging film industry.
His commanding voice, imposing screen presence and versatility made him a household name, particularly during the formative years of Nollywood.
He featured in more than 100 film productions and was regarded as one of the veteran actors who helped give Nigerian cinema a distinctive identity and international visibility.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, built a lasting institution in Nigeria’s creative industry through the Lufodo Group.
The couple co-founded Lufodo Productions and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing not only to film production but also to the training of a new generation of performers.
Jacobs was also honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
His final years were marked by repeated false reports of his death. In June 2024, his family publicly dismissed another such report, confirming that he was alive at the time.
But today, the family confirmed the news themselves, bringing to an end the life of an actor whose influence extended far beyond the roles he played on screen.
Jacobs left behind his wife, Joke Silva, their children and a generation of actors and filmmakers who came after him.