Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a statement shared on Instagram by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

Jacobs had been the subject of several false death reports before his passing. In June 2024, his family again debunked a viral claim that he had died, with his son, Soji Jacobs, confirming that the actor was alive.

Similar rumours circulated in 2021 and 2022, prompting his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, to publicly dismiss them.

The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to 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,” the statement read.

Jacobs’ death marks the end of the life and career of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable acting figures, whose work spanned British theatre and television, international productions and the Nigerian film industry.

Born in Kano to parents from Egba Alake on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting early in life. He later travelled to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

His professional career included appearances in British television productions and international films, establishing him as a versatile performer across different stages and screens.

According to the Lufodo Group, which he co-founded with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs worked with organisations including the BBC, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, MGM, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Britain’s National Theatre.

His body of work in Nigeria eventually grew to more than 300 films, cementing his status as one of the country’s most prolific and influential actors.

Beyond his work on screen, Jacobs also contributed to the development of Nigeria’s professional theatre and film ecosystem.

Together with Silva, he established the Lufodo Group, which includes Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Distribution and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Jacobs served as chairman of the group, while Silva remained involved in its academy and other creative ventures.

Through their work, the couple helped create opportunities for training, production and distribution within Nigeria’s creative industry, extending their influence beyond acting.

Jacobs’ legacy will be remembered not only through the hundreds of films and productions in which he appeared, but also through his contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the generations of performers he inspired.