Nigeria’s film industry has lost one of its veteran figures, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
The family confirmed his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, announcing the development in an Instagram post.
Olusoji described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” while announcing his passing as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He also appealed to bloggers and social media personalities to give the family privacy as they mourn.
The announcement has prompted tributes, including from African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who said Jacobs’ death represented a loss beyond the entertainment industry.
Atiku, in a condolence message posted on his official social media page, described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of Nigeria’s creative spirit.”
He recalled the actor’s enduring presence on Nigerian screens and his contribution to the growth of the country’s film industry, noting that Jacobs had established himself before Nollywood gained its global prominence.
According to Atiku, Jacobs’ body of work helped influence subsequent generations of actors and became part of the memories of Nigerians who grew up watching him.
“The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him,” Atiku said.
Atiku expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider family.
He also commiserated with Nollywood, the African creative community and admirers of the actor worldwide, while praying for the repose of Jacobs’ soul and strength for his family.
Olu Jacobs Dies at 84 as Atiku Pays Tribute to Veteran Actor
