Veteran Nigerian actress, Joke Silva, has announced the death of her husband and legendary Nollywood icon, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Silva confirmed that the celebrated actor passed away at the age of 84.
Fondly describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo,” she stated that his remarkable time on earth was a life “well lived and fought.”
The family’s official notice commemorated his journey, noting his birth on July 11, 1942, and his peaceful departure.
Jacobs leaves behind an unmatched legacy spanning more than five decades across stage, television, and film.
After training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he began his career performing in British television productions and international films before returning to shape the foundation of modern Nigerian cinema.
Renowned for his commanding screen presence and exceptional versatility, he became one of the defining pillars of Nollywood, earning widespread acclaim and the prestigious national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Beyond his acting career, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, were prominent industry entrepreneurs who jointly established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Through these platforms, the couple heavily invested in developing, training, and mentoring upcoming performing artists in Nigeria, leaving a profound impact on generations of creatives who passed through their tutelage.
In recent years, the legendary actor had retreated from the public spotlight following his public battle with dementia with Lewy bodies.
This private struggle frequently made him the target of malicious online death hoaxes, which his family repeatedly debunked over the years—including a direct video appearance by Jacobs himself in 2024 to dismiss false reports.
Following this official announcement from his wife, media personnel, bloggers, and social media influencers have been urged to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.
The Nigerian entertainment industry and fans worldwide are now left mourning the loss of one of the nation’s most enduring and influential acting pioneers.
Olu Jacobs is survived by his devoted wife of decades, children, grandchildren, and an extensive network of family members and admirers who will forever cherish his monumental contributions to global arts and culture.
