Breaking: Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Is Dead

Late Olu Jacobs (1942 - 2026)

Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has passed away at the age of 84.

The sad news was made public by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday.

In the announcement, the family expressed gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought. They described him as a dear husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, referring to him as "The Lion of Lufodo."

The statement confirmed that he lived from July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026, and called on bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

The statement read:
"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."

Olu Jacobs was a legendary veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, widely regarded as one of the godfathers of Nollywood.

Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and starred in several British TV series and international films before making his mark in Nollywood.

He featured in over 130 movies, often portraying roles of dignity, royal authority, and wisdom, and won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, among other lifetime achievement honours.

In late 2021, his wife, Joke Silva, revealed that he was battling Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Before his death, several rumours of his death have emanated on social media over the years, with his family coming out to debunk it on several occasions.