Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84 Tributes Pour In

Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, died at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His family announced the passing on Instagram through his son Olusoji Jacobs, describing him as "The Lion of Lufodo" and asking the public, especially bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy as they mourn.

Jacobs’ death prompted immediate tributes from across Nigeria’s entertainment and political spheres. Actresses Kate Henshaw, Funke Akindele, Ini Edo and Mercy Johnson-Okojie, along with actors Williams Uchemba, Mr Macaroni and Broda Shaggi, hailed him as a legend and kind mentor. President Bola Tinubu called him a towering figure whose talent disciplined generations, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Jacobs as an institution and cultural icon who helped lay foundations for Nollywood’s global rise.

With a career spanning over five decades, Jacobs trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, appeared in British series such as The Goodies and The Professionals, and featured in international films like The Dogs of War. Back in Nigeria, he became known for authoritative roles, co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife Joke Silva, and earned honours including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor (2007), Industry Merit Award (2013), Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) and the national MFR honour (2011). Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced; the family continues to grieve in private.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/16/tributes-pour-in-as-nollywood-mourns-olu-jacobs/