Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his family through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who shared the news on social media. The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to members of the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy as they mourn.
President Tinubu subsequently expressed condolences over the death, describing Jacobs as a major figure in Nigeria’s creative industry.
The President’s reaction came as tributes began to emerge from across Nigeria’s political, entertainment and cultural communities following the death of one of the country’s most recognisable veteran actors.
Olu Jacobs dies at 84
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, according to the announcement from his family.
His son’s statement said the family was announcing the death “with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought,” while identifying Jacobs as the “Lion of Lufodo.” The family also requested privacy during the mourning period.
The announcement formally confirmed the death after previous years in which false reports about Jacobs’ passing had circulated publicly.
Channels Television also reported that the family specifically appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy following the announcement.
Tinubu pays tribute
Tinubu described Jacobs as a significant figure in Nigeria’s creative sector, mourning the loss of an actor whose career extended across theatre, television and film.
The President’s tribute reflects the wider recognition Jacobs received during a career that connected Nigeria’s performing arts tradition with British television, international cinema and the development of modern Nollywood.
Jacobs’ career was not limited to acting in Nigerian films. He first established himself through theatre and television work in Britain before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the prominent figures in the country’s growing film industry.
His international career included appearances in British television productions and films, while his later Nigerian career made him a familiar face to generations of audiences.
A career spanning theatre, television and Nollywood
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his professional career in theatre.
He subsequently appeared in British television productions and international films before becoming deeply involved in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Africanews reported that his credits included productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became closely associated with the country’s developing film industry. His career covered several decades and included numerous Nigerian productions.
His work helped establish a bridge between an older generation of Nigerian theatre practitioners and the expanding Nollywood industry, according to profiles published following his death.
National and industry recognition
Jacobs received several honours during his career.
In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He was also recognised with the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and received a lifetime achievement honour in 2016, according to reports published after his death.
In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on Jacobs the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, commonly known as MFR, in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
His influence also extended beyond performances.
Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to professional training and activities within Nigeria’s performing arts sector.
Tributes spread across Nigeria
News of Jacobs’ death prompted reactions from political figures, entertainers and other members of Nigeria’s creative community.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo were among those reported to have mourned the actor. Several entertainers also paid tribute to Jacobs following the family’s announcement.
The reactions reflect Jacobs’ visibility beyond the film industry. Over several decades, he became associated with Nigerian theatre, television and cinema and was recognised both domestically and internationally.
His career also coincided with major changes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including the emergence and expansion of Nollywood into a globally recognised film market.
Why Olu Jacobs’ career matters to Nollywood
Jacobs’ significance extends beyond the number of productions in which he appeared.
His career crossed different phases of African and international entertainment. He worked in British theatre and television, appeared in international productions and later became a major figure in Nigeria’s film industry.
That trajectory mirrors part of the evolution of Nigeria’s creative sector, where established theatre practitioners, television actors and filmmakers became part of the rapidly expanding Nigerian film industry.
His work with Joke Silva through the Lufodo Group and performing arts training also placed the couple within the wider development of professional creative education in Nigeria.
For younger generations of Nigerian actors and filmmakers, Jacobs’ career represents a link between traditional theatre, television, international productions and contemporary Nollywood.
Family asks for privacy
While tributes have continued to emerge, Jacobs’ family has asked the public to respect its privacy.
The request was included in the family announcement confirming his death and was also reported by Channels Television and other Nigerian news organisations.
The family has not, in the announcement cited by these reports, provided further details about funeral arrangements.
As of September 16, 2026, the confirmed information is that Jacobs died at the age of 84 and that his family officially announced his passing.
What happens next
Further details concerning funeral arrangements and other official tributes are expected to come from the Jacobs family and relevant organisations.
For now, the Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the death of an actor whose professional career stretched across Britain and Nigeria and encompassed theatre, television and film.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work spanning several decades, as well as a contribution to Nigeria’s performing arts sector through acting, film and creative training.
His death marks the end of the career of one of the veteran figures associated with the development and international visibility of Nigerian entertainment.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers — report on President Tinubu’s condolence message and description of Jacobs as a creative industry giant.
- Channels Television — report confirming Jacobs’ death and the family’s request for privacy.
- Premium Times — report on the family’s announcement and Jacobs’ date of birth and death.
- The Guardian Nigeria — biographical background on Jacobs’ career, honours and contribution to the arts.
- Africanews — background on Jacobs’ international and Nigerian acting career.
