Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, died on Wednesday at the age of 84. His family announced the news on the same day.
His son Olusoji Jacobs shared the announcement on Instagram. He described the late actor as the Lion of Lufodo and expressed gratitude for his life.
“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. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942-16/09/2026. We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” Olusoji Jacobs wrote.
The family gave the dates of birth and death as 11 July 1942 to 16 September 2026.
Olu Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England. He began his career in Britain where he appeared in several television series and international films.
Later he returned to Nigeria and became a leading figure in the film industry. He starred in many Nollywood productions and helped shape the sector. In 2007 he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
The Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011. Together with his wife Joke Silva he established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife Joke Silva and his two sons Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs. In recent years he had lived with Lewy body dementia which limited his public appearances.
