Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacob is dead.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Olusoji said the family announced the actor’s death “with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought”, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo”.
“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.” he wrote
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the period of mourning.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” Olusoji said.
Jacobs who was married to fellow Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, was one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertory theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and one of the veteran personalities associated with the growth of Nollywood.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
Jacobs also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).