Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The curtain has fallen on one of Nollywood's most extraordinary lives. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, the veteran actor and film executive who became the commanding patriarch of Nigerian cinema, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His family announced his passing in a joint Instagram post shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and his wife of over three decades, veteran actress Joke Silva. "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," the statement read. The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period, a poignant request that reflects the years they spent repeatedly debunking false reports of his death. His wife, Joke Silva, shared a photograph of the actor alongside the dates that now bookend his life: "11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026."
Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs spent part of his childhood in Kano, where his interest in acting took root through involvement in drama and debate. He later travelled to Britain to pursue professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, one of the world's most prestigious drama schools. After completing his training, he worked with several theatre companies in Britain and appeared in stage productions, television programmes, and international films. His British television credits included appearances in productions such as The Gooddays, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People, and The Venturers. He also performed on stage before eventually returning to Nigeria, where he would become one of the leading figures in the country's theatre and film industry.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became widely known for his roles in television, stage productions, and Nigerian films. He appeared in more than 100 films and became particularly known for playing authoritative characters, including kings and other traditional leaders. His deep voice, commanding presence, and theatrical training combined to create a distinctive screen persona that became instantly recognisable. He was also involved in the development of Nigeria's film industry beyond acting. Alongside his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The academy has trained hundreds of actors, directors, and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood. His career earned him several major recognitions. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. His contributions to the arts were also recognised by the Nigerian government when he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
For the past several years, Jacobs had been living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative brain condition that his wife first disclosed publicly in a 2021 interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. Silva explained that her husband had been dealing with the condition for a couple of years at that point. She described DLB as a degenerative brain disease with similarities to Parkinson's disease, and was careful to distinguish it from Alzheimer's disease in later public discussions. According to Silva, the illness had significantly affected Jacobs and placed considerable strain on their family. She noted that he did not always comprehend what was happening around him, which made his day-to-day situation particularly painful for those close to him. Concern over Jacobs' condition resurfaced in 2024 when rumours of his death began circulating on social media. His son, Soji Jacobs, publicly refuted the reports at the time, confirming that his father was alive and sharing a video of the actor as evidence. The family's repeated denials of death rumours in 2021 and 2024 made the confirmation of his passing on Wednesday all the more painful for a public that had grown accustomed to celebrating his life while mourning false reports of his death.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the immense impact Jacobs had on the creative industry and the nation as a whole. The Federal Government, through the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria's creative industry. "Olu Jacobs was not just an actor, he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria's entertainment industry and one of Africa's greatest actors," she said. "For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry." The minister noted that through the Lufodo Academy, Jacobs had trained hundreds of actors, directors, and filmmakers who are now contributing to the growth of Nollywood. "Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade," she said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a condolence message he personally signed, described Jacobs as "an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit." He noted that for generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in homes. "That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory," Atiku said. "Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise."
Colleagues in Nollywood also expressed their grief. Funke Akindele wrote, "May his soul rest in peace." Ini Edo commented, "Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts." Williams Uchemba wrote, "A life well spent, Rest Well Legend." Mr Macaroni said, "Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!" Broda Shaggi reacted, "May his soul find eternal rest at the right hand of God, and may his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him." Bukky Wright said Jacobs left an unforgettable legacy in the hearts of movie lovers, noting that his light would continue to shine through every life he had touched. Kehinde Bankole commented, "A beautiful life! A legendary legacy! A peaceful rest. All is well. Journey well sir." Ken Erics said, "May God bless his Soul. Forever in Our hearts." Funke Akindele, in a tribute on X, described him as "a true legend, a kind and gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage and uplift young talents. Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten."
Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Dame Joke Silva, and his two surviving sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs. His death comes just weeks after he celebrated his 84th birthday on July 11, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements. As Nigeria mourns the passing of one of its greatest actors, the words of the family's tribute echo with quiet finality: "The Lion of Lufodo." A life well lived and fought, a legacy that will never fade, and a nation that will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments