10 things to know about late Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs
Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, his family announced. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son shared the news, describing him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and asking the public to […]
Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs passed away at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026. Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, in Kano, he left behind a career that spanned over five decades in theatre, television, and film. Jacobs received formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his skills before establishing himself in British television productions in the 1970s.
He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the pioneers of the Nigerian film industry, appearing in more than 120 Nigerian films. His roles often featured characters of authority, and he was particularly known for his portrayal of fathers, elders, and political figures. Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in 2007 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
He was married to actress Joke Silva, and together they co-founded the Lufodo Group, a film production and distribution company. Jacobs was also honored with a national award, the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), in 2011.
Written by urgent.news from Adom Online's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- 10 things to know about late Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs myjoyonline.com
- Olu Jacobs was a national icon — Reno Omokri dailypost.ng
- Nollywood veteran, Olu Jacobs, is dead dailytrust.com
