Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

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

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday. The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy at this time.

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected 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 repertoire theatres and featured in British television productions and international films.

After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and played a significant role in the development of Nollywood.

His career earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he had children.