Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies At 84

Veteran Nollywood actor, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His family announced his death in a statement shared on social media early Wednesday, describing the acclaimed actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and paying tribute to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

The family said his death marked the end of a life and career for which they remained grateful to God.

Jacobs, who was born in 1942, began his acting career in Britain, where he appeared in several television productions during the 1970s before returning to Nigeria and becoming one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s film industry.

He subsequently built a distinguished career spanning stage, television and film, bringing extensive international and theatrical experience to Nigeria’s emerging film industry.

The actor appeared in more than 120 Nollywood films and was widely regarded as one of the industry’s elder statesmen. He also featured in international productions and British television programmes before establishing himself as a major figure in Nigerian cinema.

Jacobs received several honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

He was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

His death marks the passing of one of the actors whose work helped shape Nigeria’s modern film and television industry.