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The death of veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, has marked the end of an illustrious career of one of Nigeria’s theatre icons. Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11 1942 in Kano, the actor died on September 16, 2026, after years of battling debilitating health challenges at the age of 84. He hailed from the Egba clan of Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Lion of Lufodo stood out among the galaxy of stars in Nollywood for his grace on stage, unique baritone voice and leading movie roles.
He was also a film executive, who managed the business, financial, and strategies of movie projects. As a movie director, he guided artistic choices and managed cast and crew from the planning stages to final edits. He will be sorely missed by friends, family and fans.
Together with his wife, Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989, they founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where they trained budding actors, many of whom have found their voices in a crowded film industry. Jacobs was survived by his sons – Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs, and Dayo Jacobs. Indeed, he was cut out in the world of make-believe from childhood, and he shone like a diamond in the sky in a movie career that lasted for over five decades.
He attended Holy Trinity School, Kano, where his interest in the arts manifested early in the debating and drama societies. However, he became interested in the theatre after attending an annual concert party by the legendary filmmaker and playwright, Chief Hubert Ogunde. He was also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, United Kingdom.
This gave him the much-needed pedestal to hog the limelight in acting. It also afforded him the opportunity to feature in many theatrical productions, including appearing in British TV series such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, and The Professionals. He established himself as one of the leading film voices in Nigeria, but he also stamped his authority in international films, including The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985), and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).
Jacob’s greatest contribution to the theatre and screen perhaps was his involvement with Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, which took the world by storm from its formative years in the 1990s and highpoints in the 2000s, as it brought novelties to the global stage. Jacob’s generations of artists were the forerunners of contemporary Nigerian and African movie industry.
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They domesticated the film industry and transported African experiences; culture and aesthetics to the global view. Jacobs inspired generations of Nigerian actors, who saw a bright future and made lucrative careers out of an industry, which was hitherto subsumed under regular departments in television stations.
Jacobs lived for the screen and made many Nigerians fall in love with the screen. As a film star, fans gushed at his charisma and energetic interpretations of demanding roles without compromising standards. He was a role model and mentor to many actors. He represented the best of African values and virtues in his many acting roles, including the beauty of the African royalty and the radiance of African culture.
He starred in over 120 movies, and distinguished himself in all of them. From being cast as a high chief, paramount ruler, political leader or elder statesman, he showcased the lives of those who wield the sceptre. He made fans awestruck of his talent yet dumbstruck at the foibles associated with the seamy side of life. In a tribute to the late actor, President Bola Tinubu said, “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.”
He will be remembered for gifting the movie world with incredible performances in films such as Dancing Heart (2006), Mirror of Beauty (2004), Adesuwa (2012), Oloibiri (2015), and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017). For his exceptional roles, Jacobs won many of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). He won Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 (for Dancing Heart). He was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2016 AMAA Awards. His shelf was also adorned with Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), earning the 2013 Industry Merit Award for his lifetime impact and mentorship.
The Federal Government honoured him with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to Nigerian arts. We commiserate with his family, fans and the Nollywood industry. The government should also immortalise him.
