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Olu Jacobs, Nollywood legend and film executive, dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
Jacobs had an illustrious career that bridged British theatre and television with the Nigerian film industry. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he appeared in British productions such as ‘The Professionals’ and international films like ‘The Dogs of War’. Upon returning to Nigeria, he became a foundational figure in Nollywood, appearing in over 100 films.
Alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the professionalization and training of new talent within the African creative economy. His passing has drawn tributes from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and various leaders within the entertainment industry, who described him as a “national icon” and a “giant of the Nigerian creative industry.”
Entities
Bola Tinubu · Joke Silva · Lufodo Group · Nollywood · Nollywood · Olu Jacobs · Olusoji Jacobs · Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jacobs had been battling Lewy body dementia for several years.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jacobs co-founded Lufodo Group with his wife, Joke Silva.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jacobs was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs died at the age of 84.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Olusoji Jacobs announced the death of his father, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The death was confirmed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.