Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16.
“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.
He added: “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with a career that spanned theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting at an early age before travelling to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
He began his professional career in theatre and British television, with one of his earliest recorded stage roles being The Boy in A Taste of Honey at the newly opened Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1972.
During the 1970s, he featured in several British television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Do Us Apart, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
Jacobs also appeared in international films such as The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates, showcasing his work across stage, television and film.
He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the prominent actors in the country’s developing film industry.
Over the course of his Nollywood career, Jacobs appeared in numerous productions and became particularly recognised for portraying authoritative, sophisticated and complex characters.
His contribution to the Nigerian arts earned him several honours, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival in 2021.
Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, whom he wed in 1989. The couple have two children and remained one of Nigeria’s best-known celebrity couples.
His death brings an end to a career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
