Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

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

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain before returning to Nigeria.

He later became a prominent figure in Nollywood, earning recognition for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his work in international productions.

Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. He was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.