By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, Sept 15, 2026
LAGOS — The Nigerian creative industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, stage director, and producer, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR), popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84.
His passing was formally announced by his family through a statement shared by his wife, legendary actress Joke Silva, and son, Olusoji Jacobs. The statement described the patriarch as “The Lion of Lufodo” while expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to artistic excellence.
”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… We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the family stated.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olu Jacobs’ journey into the arts began after attending a performance by the pioneer of modern Nigerian theatre, Chief Hubert Ogunde.
His passion led him to the United Kingdom, where he secured formal training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
During his time in Europe, he established himself as a versatile actor, appearing in international stage productions, British television shows, and film classics such as The Dogs of War (1980) and Pirates (1986).
Pioneering Nollywood and Artistic Legacy
Upon returning to Nigeria in the 1980s, Jacobs became a cornerstone of modern Nigerian television and film.
Known for his rich baritone voice, impeccable diction, and regal stage presence, he frequently portrayed dignified monarchs, traditional elders, and authoritative father figures, setting a benchmark for performance quality in Nollywood.
Together with his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing immensely to talent development and professionalizing the Nigerian performing arts landscape.
In his later years, Jacobs stepped away from the spotlight due to health challenges. His wife, Joke Silva, publicly revealed in 2021 that he was battling Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a neurodegenerative condition.
Despite his retreat from public life, he remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural figures, with colleagues, fans, and state leaders honoring his legacy following the news of his passing.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife of nearly four decades, Joke Silva, their children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.