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

The actor’s death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

According to TVC, Olusoji, while announcing the death, described his father as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and said the family was grateful to God for his life.

“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 also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned the veteran actor.

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he said.

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors, with a career spanning stage, television and film.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and worked in British television and theatre before returning to Nigeria, where he became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry.

He featured in several international productions, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, before establishing himself as one of the leading figures in Nollywood.

Jacobs was also a recipient of several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement recognitions for his contribution to the African film industry. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011.

He was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

His death marks the loss of one of the prominent figures whose work helped shape Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industries.