10 things to know about late Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs

Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs, whose real name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, passed away at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026. His family revealed his passing and requested privacy for their mourning. Jacobs, affectionately known as the "Lion of Lufodo," leaves behind a career spanning over five decades.

Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria, he pursued formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before embarking on his professional journey. Jacobs made appearances in British television productions and international films, including Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, and Pirates.

He returned to Nigeria and became a pioneer of Nollywood, acting in more than 120 Nigerian films, often portraying fathers, elders, traditional rulers, and political figures. Jacobs received several accolades throughout his career, including the AMAA Best Actor award in 2007 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.

He was married to actress Joke Silva, and they co-founded the Lufodo Group. Jacobs was also honored with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government in 2011.